894.24/1536: Telegram

The Ambassador in Colombia ( Braden ) to the Secretary of State

369. For Finletter. My telegram No. 365.68 Yesterday afternoon I emphasized to President Santos that it was imperative no platinum go to Japan or other totalitarian country. He replied, “As you know that has been arranged. What about the silk?” He then expressed deep regret for the matter having been taken up with me on Friday69 both the Foreign Minister and myself. I reassured him on this and repeated the hope already stated to the Minister for Foreign Affairs that the Colombian Government would, in view of the military requirements in the United States, withdraw its request in this particular. He said since failure to get silk would ruin mill and put 284 employees out of work he preferred not to commit himself but leaves the matter to be worked out between the Foreign Minister and myself.

The Foreign Minister told me on 22d that the Japanese would accept nothing in exchange for silk but platinum, not even gold metal.

Braden
  1. August 22, 4 p.m., not printed.
  2. August 22.