611.2131/296
The Chargé in Colombia (Washington) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 20.]
Sir: I have the honor to refer to my telegram No. 28 of February 13, 5 p.m. and previous communications regarding the proposed commercial treaty between the United States and Colombia.
The delays on the part of the Colombian Government in giving a reply to the proposals made by the United States Government to the Colombian Chargé d’Affaires at Washington on December 10, 1934 do not indicate any lack of desire on the part of the former to negotiate such a treaty. The difficulties which the executive encountered in trying to obtain approval of the Rio de Janeiro Pact prevented for several weeks any consideration being given by the higher officials of the Government to the commercial treaty with the United States. As stated in previous communications from this Legation, the American proposals upon their receipt in Bogotá were entrusted for study to Dr. Arturo Hernández, Chief of the Customs Tribunal and one of the delegates who negotiated the original commercial treaty with the United States. When he made his report its unfavorable nature evidently caused surprise and a certain amount of consternation to the officials of the Foreign Office and the President of the Republic, who had hoped to bring the matter to an early conclusion.
Dr. Olaya became Minister for Foreign Affairs for the principal purpose of placating Peru in the face of the refusal of the Colombian Senate to approve the Rio de Janeiro Pact and since he assumed office his time has been very much occupied with this matter. However, he has given definite evidence of a desire to strengthen the relations between Colombia and the United States. When he was informed of the interest which the American Government has in the early negotiation of a commercial treaty he expressed a desire to expedite the negotiations as quickly as possible, although he was not then aware of the existence of Dr. Hernández’ report.
Both President López and Dr. Olaya feel that Dr. Hernández is the Government’s principal advisor in questions of customs duties and they undoubtedly fear that even though they might overrule some of his recommendations, yet without his support no treaty would pass the Colombian Congress. The details of Dr. Hernández’ report are not known, but it is believed that he objects principally to the elimination of the Anti-dumping Clause from the new proposals and changes which might be interpreted to make possible the imposition of certain internal taxes in the United States upon coffee, which Dr. Hernández believes were prohibited by the original treaty.
[Page 437]Many conferences are being held among the interested officials to decide upon the attitude that should be assumed by the Colombian Government in the present situation. Some concern is naturally being felt over the fact that the Brazilian-American treaty has been signed and it is feared by the Colombians that Brazil may gain an advantage. There is also a distinct feeling that the Colombian Chargé d’Affaires in Washington does not adequately represent his country. To remedy this situation it has been decided to appoint Sr. Miguel López Pumarejo as Minister to the United States. Although he is a brother to Alfonso López, his appointment is not considered political as he has never taken part in Colombian politics and during recent years has been identified entirely with the coffee exporters. He has an advantage of being already in the United States and will undoubtedly proceed to Washington as soon as his agrément is granted and his credentials received from Bogotá.
As Dr. Miguel López was also one of the negotiators of the treaty signed in December 1933, the Government obviously hopes to profit in the present situation from his familiarity with the past negotiations.
In his conversations with me, Foreign Minister Olaya has seemed to be inclined towards accepting the Department’s offer to send an expert to Bogotá, but he has stated that he did not want definitely to express his approval of this method until further consideration has been given to the matter. The presence of an expert in Bogotá would appear to me to be very helpful in that his conversations with Dr. Hernández might increase the likelihood that this important official would eventually support whatever treaty is finally negotiated.
Respectfully yours,