831.01/12–1648: Circular telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to Diplomatic Representatives in the American Republics 1
Recent overthrow popularly elected Govt in Venez is cause concern US Govt. Views expressed during discussions highest level include following:
- 1.
- Use of force as an instrument of political change of duly elected Govts is deplorable, inconsistent with acknowledged ideals Amer Reps, and increasingly dangerous to all countries this hemisphere.
- 2.
- If this sort procedure continues, US cannot remain indifferent and believes issue would be serious one which must engage attention Amer community as a whole.
- 3.
- While Res 35 Bogotá Conf declares that continuity of diplomatic relations among Amer States is desirable, and that establishment or maintenance diplomatic relations with a Govt does not imply any judgment upon domestic policy that Govt, Preamble Rio Treaty states “that peace is founded … on the effectiveness of democracy for the international realization of justice and security”, and charter OAS states “The solidarity of the Amer States and the high aims which are sought through it require the political organization of those States on the basis of the effective exercise of representative democracy”.
- 4.
- US wishes make every legitimate and useful effort encourage development democratic and constitutional procedures since these are fundamental ideals and aspirations peoples all Amer Reps and embody sound principles for development representative and stable Govts which will strengthen hemisphere. In doing so US Govt endeavoring comply faithfully with inter-Amer commitments and procedures.
Unless there are compelling reasons to contrary, of which Dept should be promptly informed, you should discuss substance numbered [Page 148] paragraphs with FonMin country to which accredited and state your Govt would appreciate receiving his comment on legitimate and appropriate actions Inter-Amer Organization might take to strengthen democratic and constitutional framework of Govt this continent.
For your confidential background info Amer Amb Caracas expresses opinion that “Our national interests in Venez would on balance be best served by recognizing Junta” and that recognition “should neither be too hastily done nor too long delayed.”
Decision Dept not yet taken. An important consideration in this Govt’s approval Bogotá Res 35 was belief that non-recognition is not a suitable approach to much broader problem of dictatorships and use of force as a political procedure, and this continues to be view this Govt. However, Dept deems time opportune for informal exchanges views these broader questions.
If and when US resumes normal relations with Venez thought has been given to including in note Amb Caracas would be authorized send passage somewhat as follows:
“My Govt has noted Y.E.’s statement that the new administration will strictly fulfill its international obligations. It has also noted a passage in an address delivered on Nov 26 by H.E. the Pres of the Junta in which it is stated that the Junta has hot assumed power as an attempt against democratic principles but in order to secure their effective application and to prepare for elections in which all citizens will participate under conditions of equality.
“My Govt attaches importance to this statement particularly in view of cardinal principal found in the Charter of Org of Amer States, namely: (here to follow Art 5(d) of Charter which was quoted in numbered paragraph 3 above).”
Such a statement would make it clear this Govt expects Venez to return to democratic practices, as promised Venez people, as soon as possible and this Govt would be watching to see if this is done. You might seek opinion FonMin whether inclusion such statement in notes from other countries which have not yet resumed relations would have desired effect Venez and make impression throughout hemisphere.
Report views Govt to which accredited re broad problem and specific question relations Venez.
- Marginal penned initials: “H[arry] S T[ruman].↩