[104-10291-10016.pdf — page 59]
# CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCYThis material contains information affecting the National Defense of the United States within the meaning of the Espionage laws, Title 18, U.S.C. Secs 793 and 794, the transmission or revelation of which in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.CONTROLLED DISSEM C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L NO DISSEM ABROADCOUNTRY Colombia REPORT NO OC-3-321/37763-67SUBJECT Growing Disharmony between the DATE DISTR. 10 Jan 69Government and Business Community NO. PAGES 1REFERENCES CIRL C-DC7-53900DATE OF INFO. 4 Dec 67 and earlierPLACE & DATE ACO. Colombia = 4 Dec 67 and earlierTHIS IS UNEVALUATED INFORMATIONSOURCE US national, official of a US firm engaged in providing commercial services to business firms and industries. He travels frequently and has contacts among business executives and government officials.[This report was developed by an APNIN Air Force representative assigned to the office of preparation.]1. During a recent business trip to Colombia I had occasion to visit and converse with business executives, owners of industrial firms and government officials. Through conversation with such I gained the information presented below.2. The majority of the business community, both big and small businesses, is not in complete harmony with the government of President Carlos Lieras. Most business executives confirm that under the previous Conservative Party administration there was a stimulation of interest in foreign investment, a factor which is causing the current administration immense problems due to restrictive legislation on the percentage of capital which may be removed from the country. It is the consensus of the business community that this law will be changed within the next eight months, as a result of pressure by the business community upon the government.3. At the present time there is much discontent among owners of private business firms as well as among the employees about a proposed new law. Current legislation requires that employers place in a fund a certain percentage of employees earnings, which will be returned to the employee upon retirement or termination of employment. Under this arrangement the employer may make use of the money for investments or development of the firm or industry. The reason for the discontent is that the government is attempting to pass a law requiring all business firms and industries to pay, on a monthly basis to the government, the money received from the employees. Severance or retirement pay of an employee will then become a responsibility of the government. The business community is adamantly against this legislation because it will restrict much of business operation. Employees are equally against the legislation because they feel once the government collects the money it will be appropriated for other purposes and never returned to the people.4. The government has stated that the money collected will be used for development of low and middle class housing, and rents collected from these developments will be placed in a fund for the payment of severance and retirement benefits.INFORMATION REPORT INFORMATION REPORTU YES C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L S YESThe dissemination of this document is limited to U.S. personnel and agencies only, and release to those senior officials of foreign governments and staffs specifically approved for access to CONFIDENTIAL information.This document was prepared by an automatic process and may contain errors. Its content is suitable for intelligence use, in accordance with paragraph 9 of DCDD 17. It may be historical in nature and of limited value. The reproduction of this publication in whole or in part by individuals or private organizations is not permitted. Those participating in the production of Natural Intelligence SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED ITS CONFIRMERS or be quoted as authority to non- U. S. Government personnel. including consultants, under a contract with the U. S. Government.