831.001 Gallegos, Romulo/12–1848: Telegram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Butler) to the Secretary of State
810. Deptel 836, December 17. During cordial one-hour interview this morning Gallegos read letter he addressed 16th [15th] to President Truman,1 original of which delivered Department yesterday by Venezuelan Ambassador. Letter in effect accepts our statements US not involved and appeals President for support.2
I discussed four paragraphs Depcirtel December 16 which he seemed glad to hear.
In talking about overthrow he emphasized effect of success Peruvian junta had on Majors Perez Jimenez and Lianas Paez but made no mention Argentine or other foreign influences. He reiterated previous denial newspaper reports quoting him as having blamed US for coup. He was aware Cuban Communists trying use him. (Later explained to Stewart Communists used Marinello, personal intellectual friend, as their contact with him. Said he told Marinello he would publicly define his friendly position toward US if Communists continued exploit him in their anti-US propaganda.)
I told him Department’s decision on recognition not yet made. He offered no comment.
Sent Department 810; repeated Caracas 13.
- Not printed.↩
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In his reply of February 3, 1949, not printed, President Truman stated, in part:
↩“My Dear Friend: I have been sincerely moved by your letter of December 15. The overthrow of the Government over which you presided came as a great shock to me, and I have personally concerned myself with this question from the beginning.
“I am happy you have accepted the sincere statements issued by our Department of State regarding the non-participation in the coup d’état of American interests or of officials of this Government, and I wish to reiterate these assurances to you personally at this time. It was considerate of you to make public your acceptance of these explanations.” (831.001 Gallegos, Romulo/2–349)