740.21112A/552: Telegram
The Ambassador in Colombia (Lane) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:45 p.m.]
584. This morning Dunn and Derby of the Embassy, accompanied by Rubin and Folsom, discussed the replacement program with Dr. Gonzalo Restrepo, Minister of Finance. The Minister indicated his desire to push the program and expressed his belief that the present political situation would not impede progress, as well as his belief that Colombia had sufficient legislation to enable it to nationalize the Axis companies “within a few days” after adequate substitution companies were present in Colombia. He states his willingness to transfer to such desirable companies the assets of the Axis companies, which would then be liquidated. He pointed to the recent decision of Schering of Bloomfield, New Jersey, to form a Colombian subsidiary, in which prominent Colombian business interests will have a majority share, as an example of the type of action which will lead to the promised prompt action on the part of the Colombian Government. The Minister is completely aware of and agreeable to the fact that until such action is taken by the Colombian Government, the new company will actively compete in the Colombian market.
In view of this situation, and of the possibility that General Aniline, General Dyestuff may presently be considering the appointment in Colombia of a local agent, this Embassy wishes to indicate its feeling, concurred in by Rubin and Folsom, that General Aniline and [Page 841] General Dyestuff should form a Colombian company, with substantial Colombian participation rather than merely appoint a local agent. Should the Department concur, it is felt that this belief should be communicated to the Alien Property Custodian. A despatch to be sent shortly will discuss this entire matter more fully.