800.85/623: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Colombia (Lane)
676. Your 762, June 6, 8 p.m. The reservations mentioned in your telegram would not be satisfactory for the following reasons: (1) Although it is hoped to keep these tankers in inter-American trade it is impossible under wartime conditions to give any firm assurances to this effect; (2) Colombian registry raises the practical problem of the availability of skilled personnel; your comments on other problems involved in operating under Colombian registry would be appreciated; (3) The War Shipping Administration is assuming certain responsibility with respect to these tankers and it believes that it should have freedom of action as to their use if at all possible.
[Page 203]The administration has been unable to locate the firm mentioned in your telegram and is inclined to believe it may be an effort on the part of Argentina to secure the vessels.