800.8820/1346: Telegram
The Ambassador in Colombia (Lane) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8 p.m.]
1582. My 1570 September 6, 6 [7] p.m. President López received Connell and myself this morning immediately prior to Connell’s departure for Washington.
The President said that he has conferred with Muñoz and that there is no objection on the part of the Colombian Government to the third alternative to the Decentralization Plan. He said however that the Government proposed, with a view to bringing about deflation in prices, bank deposits, gold reserves and notes in circulation, to require importers to continue to obtain importation permits for articles in free supply through the Office of Exchange Control, thus enabling the Government virtually to maintain control of importations into the country. Finally recommendations to the extent required in the United States, he said, would in future be given the value of import permits.
The President said that there is no intention on the part of the Colombian Government to restrict exports from the United States or the amount of shipping from the United States through this means. The Government, in fact, is entirely satisfied with the present average amount of shipping approximating 20,000 tons per month.
Connell and I are of the opinion that the Colombian Government’s proposed action will not interfere with the functioning of our proposed system (the third alternative). He will of course report in detail the President’s remarks which were extended.
Amplifying airgram will follow.