588. Telegram From the Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Venezuela 1

606. Your evaluation possible repercussions in Venezuela of restrictions on crude oil imports your 6582 appreciated. If possible you and Venezuelan Embassy will be given advance notice any action this matter and we will continue keep you fully informed developments.

Difficult at present determine most opportune time proposed Chamber Commerce delegation visit view following (1) Presidential Committee to investigate Section 7 action not yet appointed;3 (2) ODM Director Gordon Gray has not yet completed consultation individual US oil importing companies in effort explore feasibility achieving reduction imports by voluntary action as directed by President. On balance however believe visit now by Chamber delegation or other US group might be effective in presenting views of US interests in Venezuela to press business and legislative circles during important formative stage.

Do not believe it necessary you visit US present time.

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 411.316/6–757. Confidential. Drafted by Bartch and initialed by Rubottom.
  2. Supra .
  3. On June 26, the President announced the formation of the Special Committee to Investigate Crude Oil Imports, composed of the Secretaries of State, Defense, the Treasury, Commerce, Interior, and Labor.