Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The American Republics, Volume VIII

839.113/11–3047: Telegram

The Chargé in Venezuela (Maleady) to the Secretary of State

confidential

Caracas, November 30, 1947—noon.

466. Betancourt¹ called in heads Creole,² Shell Oil³ companies last night. Told them has unimpeachable evidence Brazil sold 5,000 automatic rifles, 2,000,000 shells therefor to Dominican Government. Said Trujillo⁴ yacht with Dominican Ministry War official aboard touched Trinidad day or two ago presumably en route Brazil pick up arms. Also said Venezuelan Government much concerned since convinced arms destined attempt oust it.

Betancourt went on to say he has told Brazil if arms deal not cancelled he will stop all shipments crude oil refined products there. Inasmuch as we principal supplier oil and latter cannot be obtained elsewhere, Brazil is expected capitulate. If not, he told oil heads, he will ask them cooperate by stopping shipments.

El País reported today Trujillo’s yacht en route Brazil pick up arms.

Sent Department 466, repeated Rio de Janeiro and Ciudad Trujillo.

Maleady

1. Romulo Betancourt, President of the Revolutionary Junta of Government.
2. Creole Petroleum Corporation, Holding Company for the Interests of Standard Oil Company of New Jersey in Venezuela.
3. Royal Dutch Shell Company.
4. Rafael Leonidas Trujillo, President of the Dominican Republic.