Office of the Historian

821.61/111: Telegram

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

Bogotá, August 28, 1943—5 p.m.
[Received August 29—2 a.m.]

1520. With reference to conversation of August 20 between Messrs. Arey, Moore, Hooker61 and Keith,62 memorandum63 of which was received yesterday, and my telephone conversation with Keith today.

Dr. Miguel López informed me today that Ambassador Lleras had telephoned President López that Export-Import Bank requires a legal opinion that Caja de Crédito Agrario is authorized to negotiate loan with [the Bank?] and that Colombian Government has legal power to authorize Caja to negotiate loan.

Miguel López said that Caja will gladly give us all necessary information but that in Government’s opinion it is up to Export-Import Bank and not up to Colombian Government to make the necessary arrangements with legal counsel.

As explained to Keith the matter involved is only one of procedure but I should appreciate being authorized to employ legal counsel for the preparation for such an opinion and will take advantage of López’ offer to assist.

Please telegraph.

Lane
  1. John S. Hooker, Assistant Adviser on International Economic Affairs.↩
  2. Gerald Keith, Assistant Chief, Division of the American Republics.↩
  3. Not printed.↩