811.20 Defense (M) Colombia/86: Telegram

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

773. My telegram 761, June 6, 5 p.m. Following is a summary of statements made to Pocklington64 and to me this afternoon by Minister of National Economy.

1.
Colombian Government is anxious to fix a price over a period of 5 years for purchase of rubber; price to be fixed by Caja de Crédito with the approval of Ministry of National Economy. Price would be determined by price agreed between Brazil and the United States. No definite decision will be taken until receipt of draft agreement which we expect to receive from the Department shortly.
2.
Colombian Government still attaches great importance to construction of tire plant. Urgency of matter was not stressed, however, [Page 184] but dependence of Colombia on automobile transportation was emphasized.
3.
Colombian Government would appreciate a loan of approximately $500,000 to cover purchase of 10 or 12 river launches and construction of truck roads for the purpose of opening up rubber territory in the Amazonas district.
4.
Colombian Government would appreciate receiving priority for 3 or 4 retreading machines which are urgently needed here to continue essential automobile transportation.
5.
Colombian Government is greatly interested in enlarging Hevea nursery program and encouraging plantations both by Colombian Government colonial scheme and private enterprise.
6.
Colombian Government trusts that we will allocate to Colombia tires now in Brazil to fill urgent present requirements here.
Lane
  1. Ronald Pocklington, rubber technician in Colombia making survey for the Office of the Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs.