824.01/7–2946
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Chief of the Division of North and West Coast Affairs (Wells)
Dr. Falcón44 called, presumably to discuss in more detail the motives behind Venezuela’s early recognition of the new Bolivian regime and, quite possibly, to learn whether this Government was annoyed because Venezuela had acted without consultation.
Venezuela’s prompt recognition was due not only to the democratic and popular character of the Bolivian revolution, but also came as a result of the very warm feeling of friendship which Venezuela has for Bolivia because of their close association in the struggle for independence from Spain (Generals Bolívar and Sucre, et cetera).
I reiterated what I had told him Saturday night: that this Government’s reaction to developments in Bolivia thus far has been entirely favorable and that we assume that we will be in a position to accord early recognition as soon as further reports from La Paz indicate that the stability of the regime seems assured beyond reasonable doubt and as soon as we have the concurring views of other American republics. To illustrate the point, I read a paraphrase of telegram no. 716 of July 2645 from Ambassador Flack, which reported that the diplomatic corps had met to discuss the need of solving the question of asylum and of further assurances as to the re-establishment of public order.
[Page 367]I stated that Venezuela’s action seemed to be a step in the right direction and endeavored, without saying so in so many words, to let him know that we have no reason to be displeased simply because Venezuela failed to consult us.