824.24/852: Telegram
The Ambassador in Bolivia (Boal) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:31 p.m.]
1460. Reference Department’s airgram August 23, 7 p.m.43 regarding Decentralization Plan modifications. Present plan in Bolivia working satisfactorily from standpoint of Embassy, Country Agency, and Bolivian importers. However if modifications necessary to standardize plan throughout Latin America strongly recommend Alternative I which of the three alternatives embodies the three objectives stressed in airgram under reference for the following reasons:
- 1.
- Control remains with Country Agency and Embassy in Bolivia.
- 2.
- Prevents confusion and repercussions which would arise from a drastic change in export policy with subsequent change in procedure.
- 3.
- Eliminates difficulties in advising importers of items which are in free supply and differentiating between quota and non-quota materials.
- 4.
- Aids bona fide Bolivian importers who often require supply assistance for materials in free supply which are in some cases as essential to Bolivia’s economy as those in short supply. Alternative I meets with wholehearted approval of Embassy and OEW44 because it reflects true spirit of original Decentralization Plan in that control remains in the field which is inadvantageous [sic] to judge requirements, consignees, end use, shipping preference and normal channels of trade.
If Import Recommendation form to be simplified strongly recommend that the Embassy be authorized to retain in the form certain useful additional items regarding past imports, classification of commodity and quantity recommended for shipment. Abolition of normal target tonnage quota would have no effect on Bolivian imports. Bolivian imports measurably increased since establishment of Decentralization Plan which has given strong probability of delivery in contrast to previous procedures. The Import Recommendation system has become and is becoming increasingly more flexible to meet unexpected increases in merchandise and in shipping facilities. Present Import Recommendation system enables Bolivian staff to keep abreast of requirements and control of importation. This feature would be retained by Alternative I. Alternatives II and III prove exceptionally burdensome both to the Country Agency and the Embassy due to lack of local knowledge and control of consignees and merchandise.
Kazen and Acton of OEW concur.