856B.20/38: Telegram
The Ambassador in Venezuela (Corrigan) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 30—1:52 a.m.]
63. Department’s No. 58, January 28, 7 p.m. President Medina informed me this evening of his deep concern about the political reaction here if it were to become known that such important steps had been taken without Venezuelan participation. The news of the presence of American troops in Aruba and Curaçao may break at any moment. He desires to work in complete harmony with us but considers that Venezuela’s interest is primary and that a formula for participation should be found within the next 48 hours.
He told me that immediate Venezuelan participation if invited would consist in a coordinating commission of possibly two or three officers and one or two civilians. In view of possible serious political complications, I recommend that desired participation be initiated without delay.