DEPARTMENT OF STATE Memorandum of Conversation
DATE: May 7, 1951
SUBJECT: Courtesy Call of Venezuelan Foreign Minister
PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Luis E. Gomez Ruiz, Minister of Foreign Relations of Venezuela Dr. Antonio M. Araujo, Ambassador of Venezuela Dr. Aureleano Otanez, Minster-Counselor, Embassy of Venezuela
COPIES TO: The Secretary William L. Krieg, OSA
Dr. Gomez Ruiz stated that he plans to sail for Venezuela May 11 and wished to thank me for the many courtesies which he had received while in this country. He also wished to present me with a gold medal commemorating the transfer of the statue of Bolivar from Central Park to the Avenue of the Americas in New York City.
I examined the medal and commented on the excellent workmanship. Dr. Gomez Ruiz translated the inscription on the reverse and commented that the medal was the first of its kind to be struck in Venezuela. I thanked Dr. Gomez Ruiz for his courtesy, and asked him to convey by best wishes and those of Mrs. Acheson to Ambassador and Mrs. Armour.
I then commented that the extension of the trade agreements act has been reported out by the Finance Committee of the Senate and is scheduled for debate immediately following two other items on the Senate's agenda. I expressed the hope that final action would be taken soon and pointed out that the bill as revised by the Senate Finance Committee is much more favorable than the one which passed the House.
After the conversation was concluded, photographs were taken in the diplomatic reception room.
ARA:OSA:WLKrieg:rms:blg