VE–14. Memorandum of a Conversation, Department of State, Washington, September 24, 19581
Washington, September 4,
1958
SUBJECT
- Venezuelan Foreign Minister’s Call on Secretary
PARTICIPANTS
- The Secretary
- Dr. Rene de Sola, Foreign Minister of Venezuela
- Mr. Rubottom
The Secretary met with the Venezuelan Foreign Minister in an office outside the Conference Room prior to this morning’s meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the American Republics.2 The Foreign Minister said that he wished simply to call to the Secretary’s attention the following:
- 1.
- The Venezuelan Government is under great pressure to revise the list of items in which the United States obtained concessions of the 1952 revised trade agreement, such as milk and cigarettes. He feels that the volume of trade in these items is relatively small and that they would [Typeset Page 1226] be willing to offer substitutes for them in private negotiations. Most of their milk imports, he said, come from Europe anyway and they are suffering real hardship in the cigarette industry and need relief.
- 2.
- Venezuela would like to arrange for permanent consultation with the United States on problems relating to oil imports. They are greatly concerned about the proposed pipeline construction in Canada recommended by the Borden Commission there and would be prepared to offer concessions to Canada if this would cause that country to desist in its plan. They are sure that Venezuelan oil would be cheaper than oil brought from West Canada via pipeline to the eastern area of the country. They would like to have three-way consultations on the oil problem with the United States and Canada.
- 3.
- Venezuela is concerned about the continued presence of Perez Jimenez in the United States. This gives certain elements in his country a chance to criticize the United States unduly and it would help in our relations if he were to move on or if we were to deny him residence here. The Attorney General of Venezuela, the Comptroller General and the Minister of Justice3 are all engaged in investigations of his nefarious activities while chief of state. A report is expected soon.