Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1943, The American Republics, Volume VI

831.6363/1406: Telegram

The Ambassador in Venezuela (Corrigan) to the Secretary of State

Caracas, February 10, 1943—8 p.m.
[Received February 11—11:49 a.m.]

163. For Bonsal⁵⁷ from Thornburg. New petroleum law progressing along basic lines agreed upon in December and according to present plans will be presented to special session about February 22.⁵⁸ As to detail there has been considerable sharp shooting by subordinates principally on Government side. This has resulted in part from President Medina’s decision to refer draft to semi-public commission for criticism before presentation to Congress. This action no doubt strengthened his hand politically but at some cost in technical quality of resulting draft.

I shall have final conversation with President Friday at which I expect refining question to be disposed of satisfactorily. Shall leave here Saturday morning arriving Washington Sunday.

Memorandum on Mexico leaving by courier Thursday morning. [Thornburg.]

Corrigan

57. Philip W. Bonsal, Chief, Division of the American Republics.
58. For text of petroleum law approved by Venezuelan Congress on March 13, 1943, see Ley de hidroearburos, Gaceta Oficial, Caracas, March 13, 1943 (núm. 31 extraordinario).