810.00/6–2749: Telegram

The Ambassador in Venezuela (Donnelly) to the Secretary of State

secret

408. Foreign Minister1 expressed to me today his government’s grave concern over recent developments in Caribbean and fear further disturbances possibly involving Venezuela. He said US and only US can stop conspiracies by taking firm stand against guilty parties and that US can do so without being accused of intervention. He professed no confidence in conciliatory efforts OAS.

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Minister blames Cuba and Guatemala and said although his government abstained from taking part in conspiracies, continued aid by Cuba and Guatemala to enemies his government might ultimately provoke action by Venezuela. He remarked “military leaders here [have?] been patient in light adverse propaganda and intrigue originating in Cuba and Guatemala but they may ultimately lose their patience”. Minister said enemies Venezuelan Government attempting smuggle arms into Venezuela through La Guaira and Maracaibo also Venezuelan Government been informed that ship about to sail from New York (Pier 67) with armaments consigned to Matute Gómez Venezuelan national residing in Costa Rica but ultimate destination armaments still unknown. Minister said several enemies of Arévalo requested permits visit Venezuela to discuss revolutionary plans with Junta with obvious end obtaining financial aid here but requests refused. He said Venezuelan Government been in touch with Ulate2 for sole purpose informing him try CD affairs in Venezuela [apparent garble]. Betancourt3 is person they fear most. They know he is in contact with Arévalo, Prío Socorras, Figueres4 and Juan Bosch and they realize this group will continue conspire against Junta. Danger is Junta members may shortly become intolerant of attacks and take active part in offensive against Arévalo and Prío Socorras Government.

Donnelly
  1. Luis E. Gómez Ruiz.
  2. Otilio Ulate had been elected President of Costa Rica on February 8, 1948, but was not allowed to take office. For pertinent documentation, see the compilation on the position of the United States concerning the civil war in Costa Rica in Foreign Relations, 1948, volume ix .
  3. Romulo Betancourt, Secretary General of the Acción Democrática, had been President of the Revolutionary Junta of Government in Venezuela from October 1945 to February 1948.
  4. José Figueres had become President of the Founding Junta of the Second Republic in Costa Rica in May 1948.