Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, American Republics: Central and South America, Volume VII

585. Telegram From the Secretary of State to the Embassy in Venezuela¹

Washington, April 24, 1957—7:56 p.m.

532. Dept confidentially informed Ambassador González this afternoon that ODM Director Gordon Gray today certified to President under Section 7 Trade Agreements Act² that present level crude oil imports threatens impair the national security. White House announcement of ODM action expected tomorrow morning. Circular follows with additional information.³

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 831.2553/4–2457. Confidential; Priority. Drafted by Bartch and initialed by Bernbaum.
2. Reference is to P.L. 86, the Trade Agreements Extension Act of 1955; see 69 Stat. 169. Section 7 instructed the Director of the Office of Defense Mobilization to advise the President whenever he had reason to believe that any article was being imported into the United States in such quantities as to threaten to impair national security. If, after investigation, the President found that a threat existed, he was authorized to take necessary action to adjust the imports of such articles.
3. Not further identified.