561.333D3/1637: Telegram
The Ambassador in Colombia ( Lane ) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 5—1:41 a.m.]
642. Department’s telegram 441, April 3, 8 p.m. Embassy concurs that no pressure should be exercised in effort to obtain consent of [Page 140] Colombia to continuation of Inter-American Coffee Agreement. It would seem rather that if Colombia seeks modification of the basi quotas established in the agreement the matter might preferably he taken up through the existing channel of the Inter-American Coffee Agreement.
As indicated in the memorandum of the Colombian Embassy, there is a widespread feeling in coffee and governmental circles here that increasing Colombian coffee production as contrasted with other producing countries would justify a relative increase in Colombia’s basic quota. It is believed, however, that if an appreciable general increase in the existing quotas is approved for the current quota year any change in the basic quotas would not be insisted upon by Colombia immediately. While it is impossible to predict with certainty it is probable that Colombia will eventually approve the continuation of the Coffee Agreement for the coming year, but will probably also raise the question of a subsequent modification of the basic quotas. As suggested above it is believed preferable for this matter to be handled primarily through the Inter-American Coffee Board rather than through diplomatic channels.
Please telegraph Embassy any change in quotas, forwarding full supplementary information by airmail, particularly in regard to Brazilian attitude.