740.00111/1: Telegram

The Minister in Venezuela (Gonzalez) to the Secretary of State

89. In the event war breaks out in Europe the President of Venezuela wishes to issue an immediate proclamation concerning the rights and duties of belligerents in this country which would roughly parallel the action taken by the United States in this respect. The President is especially anxious to restrict the visits of war vessels of belligerents in Venezuelan waters and to prohibit absolutely their entry at the port of Caripito which he considers very vulnerable. He has requested me to ascertain the Department’s view as to the expediency and practicability of this measure and would appreciate a reply by cable as promptly as possible.

Gonzalez