VE–46. Telegram from the Ambassador in Venezuela (Sparks) to the Department of State1
146. Monday night President Betancourt met with sixteen Chiefs of Mission American Republics. Also present was First Secretary Cuban Embassy. Costa Rica, El Salvador and Uruguay have no representation. Also present were Foreign Minister and high Foreign Office officials. Significant were presences Senator Prieto representing AD, Jovito Villalba URD, and Miguel Angel Landaez COPEI.
President Betancourt addressed group extemporaneously for about 45 minutes. He first expressed appreciation of sympathy extended by American Governments following attempt on his life as well as their support Venezuela request convoke organ of consultation.
[Typeset Page 1303]President reviewed Venezuelans unsatisfactory relations with Trujillo government beginning 1939 with various interruptions and culminating with full break 1959.
President outlined briefly Venezuela’s investigations of attempt against his life and asserted GODR and Trujillo himself were involved.
President referred to recent political developments in Dominican Republic and affirmed this was simply mockery to confuse MFM.
At close of meeting memorandum of GOV position was made available (see EMBTEL 144).2
President expressed strong hope MFM would condemn GODR and apply sanctions provided Article 8 Rio Treaty. He stated [Facsimile Page 2] if effective action is not taken by MFM against GODR then GOV will have to study and evaluate situation and consider what action might be incumbent upon it to take unilaterally. (President offered to provide transcript his remarks but I now learn tape recorder did not function).
President then summarized his views on communism, explaining while Venezuelan Communist Party has status of legally recognized political party it has no participation in Venezuelan coalition government. Re international communist intervention in Cuba, he ratified his statements to NEW YORK TIMES correspondent Juan de Onis published July 23 and declared GOV stands firmly “hands off America”.