810.20 Defense/514: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Venezuela (Scott)

15. From the Under Secretary. Your no. 8, January 21, 4 p.m. In view of the Venezuelan Government’s suggestion that bombs might be stored in its territory, you will please inquire whether Venezuelan authorities would consent to the stationing of two noncommissioned officers of the United States Army at each place of storage. They would be instructed to supervise construction of storage as well as measures adopted for guarding the bombs and would be authorized to employ Venezuelan civilians as guards.

They could also assist in training Venezuelan troops. This Government would be glad to offer their services if so requested. It is believed [Page 609] that this might provide the Venezuelan Government with a reasonable basis for justifying the presence of these soldiers. [Welles.]

Hull