811.20 Defense(M)Colombia/476: Telegram
The Ambassador in Colombia (Lane) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:38 p.m.]
150. Reference my No. 132, January 19, 8 p.m. As La Spina is concerned over the fact that the suggested exchange of notes relates only to rubber and not to other strategic materials also, I discussed question with President Lόpez last evening inquiring whether he had any objection in principle to exchange of notes being all-inclusive. President said he had no objection but he would wish to consult his brother Miguel. This he did by telephone in my presence. President then advised me that according to his brother the Ministry of [Page 21] National Economy wished first to dispose of rubber question, especially as Caja has as yet no authority to act as sole agent for purchase and exportation of cinchona. Decree so authorizing Caja has not been issued because of apprehension that constitutionality will be attacked as was the case on rubber.
In addition to foregoing argument advanced by Miguel Lόpez it is evident that Government would prefer to concentrate on rubber program before dealing with other strategic materials for the following reasons: (a), political expediency and bargaining advantage of insisting on tire factory and (b), advisability of forestalling further criticism of Caja regarding lack of results on rubber program and friction with Rubber Reserve. Our position is somewhat weak in now insisting on inclusion of all strategic materials in proposed exchange of notes as we made no objection when Turbay stated to us on December 23 that he would prefer to dispose of rubber question prior to reaching an agreement on other materials. (See second paragraph of enclosure of despatch No. 1332 of December 31, 1942.43)
I informed President that we are fearful that general strategic materials program may be seriously delayed unless it is included now with rubber, as otherwise separate negotiation and exchange of notes may be necessary with respect to each strategic material in which we are interested.
President said he would have no objection to our discussing with Colombian Government officials advisability of adding other strategic materials to proposed exchange of notes.
I am accordingly endeavoring to have such meeting convoked for early next week.
Please see my telegram No. 151, January 23, noon44 for further suggestions regarding text of proposed exchange of notes.