831.24/114: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Venezuela ( Corrigan )
143. The Venezuelan Ambassador5 has informed the Department that the Venezuelan Government is under the impression that a condition precedent to the shipment to Venezuela of the guns and planes [Page 738] which have been the subject of recent telegrams is the signing of a Lend-Lease Agreement. The Venezuelan Government apparently fears that this may result in delays in making available to Venezuela much needed military equipment. The Ambassador was told that while the transfer to Venezuela of title to this material would be greatly facilitated by the signature of the Agreement in question, its shipment to Venezuela was being expedited without reference to the signature of the Agreement. Please make this clear to the appropriate authorities.
- Diogenes Escalante.↩