CO–5. Memorandum of Conversation, by the Officer in Charge of Colombian Affairs (Gerberich)1
SUBJECT
- Colombian Coffee Problem; critical economic situation.
PARTICIPANTS
- Assistant Secretary Rubottom
- OSA – Mr. Bernbaum
- OSA – Mr. Wardlaw
- OSA – Mr. Gerberich
Mr. Rubottom said that while in Bogotá he had discussed the Colombian economic situation in detail with officials of the Colombian Government, and there was no doubt in his mind that the situation is serious. With regard to coffee, he said that the Colombians were hoping ardently that the United States would join the world coffee organization, even if the regulations have to be changed.2 He offered some hope but made no commitment.
In the discussions of the backlog and the possibility of refunding the debt in the United States, Mr. Rubottom was careful to impress on the Colombians that if they want more economic help from the United States the first essential is to put their political house in order. Mr. Rubottom was satisfied that the Colombians are quite aware that this is a prime necessity.