Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Western Hemisphere, Volume IX

731.39/1–2248

Memorandum of Conversation, by the Director of the Office of American Republic Affairs (Daniels)

[Washington,] January 22, 1948.

Subject: Venezuelan-Dominican Relations

Participants:	Señor Dr. M. A. Falcón-Briceno, Minister-Counselor, Venezuelan Embassy.
	Mr. Paul C. Daniels, Director for American Republic Affairs.

Just prior to a meeting today at the Pan American Union, I inquired of Dr. Falcón-Briceno if he thought the Venezuelan Government would be agreeable to issuing a public statement to the effect that it was not permitting and would not permit revolutionary activity in Venezuela directed against another country. I pointed out that Ambassador Carnevali¹ had already assured me that this was the case, and that perhaps some useful purpose might be served if the Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs were to make a public declaration along the same line. I suggested that Dr. Falcón-Briceno consult with Ambassador Carnevali and let me know their opinion.

Dr. Falcón-Briceno said he could see no objection to any such move, and said he would let me know after he had talked with his Ambassador.

I said that, of course, if the Venezuelan Foreign Minister were to make such a public declaration, it might well be that the Dominican Foreign Minister might make a similar declaration; and that in such a case the general effect might be favorable in easing the current tensions.

(Note: In this connection see memorandum of conversation dated January 21, 1948, between the Dominican Ambassador and Mr. Daniels.)

1. Gonzalo Carnevali, Venezuelan Ambassador in the United States.