839.24/12–547: Telegram
The Chargé in the Dominican Republic (Burrows) to the Secretary of State
336. Re Rio’s 1671 December 4.68 Secretary Foreign Affairs69 this morning admitted readily Dominican Republic had been attempting secure arms wherever possible for defense purposes since US not willing supply needs. Emphasized Cayo Confites invasion would have been complete success if properly organised since government did not have planes and defensive armaments in anything like necessary quantities. Said ridiculous for Venezuela fear attack; his country’s only interest defense.
Secretary evinced sincere concern over developing events re Venezuela attributing situation in large part personal feelings between President Betancourt and Trujillo kept at fever pitch by statements and activities Dominican exiles there and Venezuelan exiles here. Voiced somewhat ingenious [ingenuous?] hope for understanding and friendship; thinks if there somehow were simultaneous change in Venezuelan and Dominican Governments there would be no further trouble since no basic cause exists for enmity between two peoples. Regrets deeply his government’s present expenditures for armaments and [Page 663] fears economic complications for country may develop. He personally also fears other complications of pre-marine days such as periodic revolutions if large supplies armaments brought into country. Somewhat innocently explained he has presented this point of view to President but said pessimistically that despite best intentions he feels his efforts will bear little fruit, particularly since he is only interim Secretary. Expressed personal hope that US could intervene in interest friendly relations.
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Sent Department 336, repeated Caracas, Rio and Habana 41.