835.00/2–2346: Telegram
The Chargé in Venezuela (Dawson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:45 p.m.]
132. Venezuelan official press and public reaction to publication of Blue Book was at first one of great interest which has now died down greatly. Practically only editorial comment has been in official paper expressing approval of our attitude but asking why we have not also taken stand against other Latin American dictatorships. That this was inspired is shown by fact that Junta President Betancourt took same line with me in conversation on Feb 5 reported fully in despatch 8399, Feb 8 and repeated it on Feb 13 (see despatch 8419, Feb 14).80
Venezuelan policy will be decided by Betancourt. Main effect of Blue Book here has been to give Betancourt something on which to peg his position.
My impression is we can count on general Venezuelan support but that Govt will wait for lead from US and show little initiative except to try to get action against Dominican Republic and other similar regimes. Fascism has little meaning to average Venezuelan but dictatorship has because of country’s history.
Argentina was completely off front pages yesterday. Considerable space given today to Perón’s Blue and White Book but no press comment and do not think it is given much weight although any charges, however wild, do have some effect on thoughtless anti-Americanism.
- Neither printed.↩