VE–40. Telegram from the Secretary of State to the Embassy in Venezuela1
914. Recent Castro-Leon rebellion attempt,2 particularly with implication GODR advance knowledge if not direct involvement, regarded by Dept as additional manifestation international tensions Caribbean area which Inter-American Peace Committee directed to study by Santiago Fonmin Mtg Res IV. Request you inform Fomin or President as appropriate U.S. Chairman IAPC considering suggesting that Committee, noting apparent increase in Caribbean tensions, renew its request of September 18, 1959 to all OAS Govts that they provide any information they may have regarding such tensions in order to aid Committee in preparation general report required under Res IV. In this connection would be desirable for Venezuela and Colombia submit any evidence re international aspects recent Castro-Leon rebellion and we would appreciate knowing whether they would do this.
[Typeset Page 1296]FYI We believe Castro-Leon attempt and other recent incidents Caribbean area emphasize desirability information be provided IAPC and studied by it in relation broader problem Caribbean tensions. Above would offer opportunity for Colombia provide data re GODR official requests for visas for those subsequently involved in rebellion attempt and for GOV furnish any information.
[Facsimile Page 2]GODR complicity it may have, as well as occasion for U.S. to produce relevant information its possession.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 731.00/4–2560. Confidential. Drafted by Jamison and initialled by the Deputy Assistant Secretary Mallory. Repeated to the Embassies in Colombia, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.↩
- Reference is to Jesús María Castro-León. Documentation concerning his activities is contained in decimal files 731.00/1–1160 and 731.00/4–2560.↩