Mann–Woodward files, lot 57 D 598, “Venezuela”
The Ambassador in Venezuela (Warren) to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Mann)
official–informal
Dear Tom: I would appreciate your informing Charlie Nolan1 and others concerned that I saw the President Saturday morning, May 30, at which time I brought up the Air Agreement. I reviewed all our efforts to obtain a mutually satisfactory agreement, pointing out that we had been on this matter for about three years. I said that over six months ago, the Foreign Office and the State Department thought they had reached accord on an agreement that could be signed as soon as Pan American Airways had agreed with the Venezuelan Government on its contractual relations, that for months Pan American has been endeavoring to obtain a definitive, firm offer from the Government of Venezuela. I went on to say that if Pan American understood what Venezuela desires of that company and if I understand Pan American, that company would be able to accept the definitive offers which Venezuela has considered making. I told the President that there is pending at this time an application on the part of LAV for the extension of its permit to fly between Maiquetia and New York. I emphasized that I have done everything within my power to prevent the linking of the renewal of that permit with the Aviation Agreement now pending. I implied that I have now come to the end of my rope, and that I am afraid that I cannot longer prevent the linking up of the two matters. I then said that I wanted to tell him that Pan American has supported the interest of Venezuela in connection with the proposal to restrict the importation of oil into the United States. I said further that Pan American Airways had a Vice President doing all that he could to assist Venezuela in this connection.
The President said that he was pleased to hear about the assistance given Venezuela by Pan American, and that he personally would move [Page 1652] to facilitate the early disposal of the Air Agreement. I believe the President intends to act quickly in this matter. At any rate, we have done all we can at this stage without making a threat. I hope our efforts will be successful.2
Cordially and sincerely yours,