839.113/12–347: Telegram
The Ambassador in Venezuela ( Donnelly ) to the Secretary of State
477. I called on President Betancourt and FonMin 5 last night at their request to discuss procurement of armaments by Dominican Republic from Brazil. President said he had made no progress with Brazilian Embassy here in stopping shipment of armaments; he intervened successfully with Venezuelan labor syndicates prevent public [Page 132] demonstrations against Dominican Republic and Brazil; he had refused embargo shipments petroleum Brazil but he would do so if Brazil permitted exportation armaments and that embargo would include Brazilian tanker enroute Venezuela load Royalty petroleum for Ypiranga plant; he had contemplated referring case Pan American Union or accepting Cuban and Guatemalan proposals intervene with Brazilian Govt. Instead he has decided send representative to Brazil discuss matter with President Dutra and with FonMin 6 and possibly Góes Monteiro.7 He hopes that once these officials are informed of situation then [they?] will prevent shipment but added that if they refuse to do so his representative, as last resort, will inform Brazil that Venezuela will embargo exportation petroleum Brazil. He did not indicate whom he would send but said that representative would leave shortly arrive Brazil before Trujillo vessels.
President Betancourt suggested that it would be of invaluable assistance to his Govt if our Govt would use its good offices with Brazilian Govt prevent shipment armaments to Dominican Republic. I hope Dept will find it feasible meet President Betancourt’s suggestion.
He said his Govt is not apprehensive of successful invasion from Dominican Republic, that it could suppress any attack, but that it feared consequences public reaction here against Dominican Republic and Brazil and added that Communists would welcome this or any other opportunity embarrass Brazil. He stated categorically his govt is not financing movement or engaging in any hostile activities against Trujillo’s govt.
It is possible that unless matter is settled soon it may become important issue during closing days of election campaign which is progressing in orderly manner considering that this is first really general and democratic election in history of Venezuela.
Sent Dept 477, repeated to Rio and Ciudad Trujillo.