839.113/12–2347: Telegram
The Ambassador in Venezuela (Donnelly) to the Secretary of State
531. Dr. Morales called today inform me results his mission Brazil. He confirmed information repeated Embtel 525, December 2127 and indicated Venezuelan Government would request cooperation oil companies embargo oil shipments Dominican Republic, including shipments from Curasao and Aruba. He said he had no knowledge other measures Venezuelan Government might adopt but that had strongly recommended that Venezuela not embargo oil shipments to Brazil including loading Ypiranga tanker scheduled arrive Venezuela shortly. He repeated he had informed President Betancourt Brazilian Government had acted in good faith but had been misled by small group army officers who received substantial cuts from sales. He said “there is nothing to be gained by our retaliating against Brazil; our real enemy is Dominican Republic and whatever we do should be directed against that country”.
Dr. Morales said Brazilian Government had finally confirmed to him in writing that armament contract with Dominican Republic consists following material: 12 75-millimeter cannons; 50,000 shells; 10,000 rifles with 30 million shells; 40,000 mortar shells but denied 800 machine guns which Morales believes are included.
Suggested to Morales time had come for serious consideration of steps to be taken for improvement of relations between Venezuela and Dominican Republic and while he agreed that this matter merits prompt considerations he said several times that it could not result in resumption diplomatic relations between the two countries.
A very reliable contact called today tell me he had received information emanating from Inspector General Venezuelan Army Venezuela might attempt bomb Trujillo’s ships carrying arms from Rio to Dominican Republic. Embassy finds it difficult to believe this statement represents view Venezuelan Government.
El País and El Nacional continue feature Brazilian–Dominican arms deal and latter attempting involve United States by charging Dominican ship San Rafael was given by United States to Dominican Republic during war.
Sent Department 531; repeated Ciudad Trujillo and Rio.
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