831.00/10–1945: Telegram
The Ambassador in Venezuela (Corrigan) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:20 p.m.]
943. Embassy caught in heavy cross fire between rebel forces which have taken possession of La Planta barracks and loyal government forces. Government forces in National Guard Academy on either side of [apparent omission]. Many bullets hit Embassy retaining wall and some wall of second story along balcony. In order to avoid danger to personnel and families we telephoned to both units and they agreed to enter into direct negotiations through same means. Organised firing stopped 20 minutes ago but sporadic shots apparently mostly from trigger-happy armed civilians continues. While insurgents have almost completely dominated loyalist resistance in city, situation is critical because of army of thousands of irresponsible civilians who are now roaming the streets shooting and sacking houses of prominent Medinistas.4
- Followers of President Medina.↩