Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1940, The American Republics, Volume V

821.796 Avianca/53 Suppl: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Colombia (Braden)

Washington, February 6, 1940—3 p.m.

26. Department’s telegram no. 25, February 5, 4 p.m. In a further conversation with Trippe yesterday afternoon we summarized developments reported in your telegrams nos. 23,⁴⁰ 24 and 25⁴⁰ and emphasized

(1) that in your opinion it would not be desirable for the company to question in principle Rihl’s commitment to the so-called 51% plan (your telegram no. 25, second paragraph section 3) and

(2) that while the anticipated arrangement may not be as attractive financially to the company as one which might have been concluded some months ago, we nevertheless expect the company to go along with it as indicated during the conversations in the Department on February 1 and 2⁴¹ (see also your telegram no. 25, first paragraph section 2).

Trippe agreed with the foregoing and inquired whether we wished to suggest any additional instructions from him to Rihl, in which connection he reported that no unanswered message from Rihl was then pending. Trippe was informed that Rihl appeared to be appropriately instructed at the moment (your telegram no. 25, first paragraph section 2) but that we felt it would be useful for Trippe to consult with us with respect to any further instructions which might be required. Please let us know if or when you think we should get in touch with Trippe again regarding any matter about which Rihl may telegraph his principals.

Hull

40. Not printed.
40. Not printed.
41. See telegram No. 20, February 2, 4 p.m., to the Ambassador in Colombia, p. 723.