VE–42. Telegram from the Secretary of State to the Embassy in Venezuela1
970. Ambassador Falcon Briceño returning Caracas Pan American Jet Thursday May 12 expecting return Washington after about ten days. Department informed Romulo Gallegos travelling Caracas same flight.
Falcon Briceño called on Rubottom and Mann May 10 take his leave.
Rubottom expressed U.S. concern continued existence Trujillo dictatorship and its disturbing contributions Caribbean tensions. Stated U.S. objectives same as those of GOV but pointed out fact Trujillo has indicated he will eliminate all potential successors of any stature if and when he falls from power. This poses delicate problem. Falcon Briceño said he had heard similar views from Dominican exiles. Rubottom said most reports indicate Trujillo’s days numbered. Rubottom mentioned recent conversations Betancourt with Ambassador Sparks and said that while he fully understands bitter hatred of Trujillo he is concerned over Betancourt’s impatience. Said we wish work through Peace Committee and expect that GOV may have evidence which we do not have and [Typeset Page 1298] that we may have evidence GOV does not have. Requested Falcon Briceño convey to Betancourt information U.S. attitudes and actions aiming toward common objective.
Falcon Briceño said that in telephone conversation Betancourt spoke of [Facsimile Page 2] a letter from Trujillo to Perez Jimenez. Said he was not sure whether Betancourt meant he had such letter or wanted know if U.S. Government had it. Rubottom said he had no knowledge such letter.
Conversation with Mann confined general subjects, though did include mention of recent pressure by group of independent oil producers associations for reduction import quotas. Mann indicated unlikely any action this nature imminent.
Memoranda conversations by pouch.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 731.00/5–1160. Secret; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Ingersoll and initialled by Rubottom.↩