Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Volume V, Microfiche Supplement, American Republics

VE–49. Telegram from the Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Caracas¹

Washington, December 1, 1960, 8:00 p.m.

496. Yesterday Venezuelan Representative COAS informed Council of Dominican Government’s alleged complicity and intervention Venezuelan affairs, and immediately thereafter requested IAPC initiate investigation, thereof. Presentation consisted of review past Dominican sins and was not effective principally because he had no specific details to support general assertions of new conspiracy. Peace Committee adjourned to allow Venezuelan representative time to obtain and present charges in more specific form. Presumably it will not be reconvened until Venezuela indicates it is ready.

In light Embassy’s 463² which was not decoded until after meeting it to appears there may be grounds for Venezuelan concern. However, neither U.S. nor other delegations had this information during yesterday’s sessions and statements so far have been made only by Venezuela and Dominican Republic.

Department desires cooperate within limits U.S. law in attempting control revolutionary activity anti-Betancourt elements in U.S. Can GOV give us any leads which would facilitate our investigations here?

You may in your discretion promptly inform Betancourt or Falcon Briceño of foregoing and include following additional points:

(1) As indicated to Perez de la Cova yesterday Department thinks GOV should give urgent consideration to broadening terms of requested investigation so as to permit inclusion of subversive activities Communist elements directed from outside Venezuela. From Venezuelan point of view there seems to be little doubt that Communist and Castro elements were prime movers in recent disturbances in Venezuela. Betancourt himself has publicly described these disturbances as Communist attempt to overthrow constitutional government, and has privately informed Embassy of Cuban involvement (EMBTEL 460).³ It would therefore appear strange and illogical for any OAS investigation to be limited to only one aspect of recent difficulties. From U.S. standpoint GOV will understand that while we feel as strongly as anyone concerning Dominican Government aggressions and conspiracies we would find it difficult to understand or explain to our public a second time why Communist and Castro aggressions should not be included in investigation and remedial action, particularly if specific OAS action should subsequently be decided upon.

(2) Although U.S. not member IAPC we will of course cooperate to extent feasible and appropriate with any investigation which that Committee may undertake. However, we suggest that in view of threat which conspiracy and disorders inspired from abroad pose to constitutional processes, Venezuela give consideration to invoking Rio Treaty and requesting convocation COAS as Organ Consultation in order obtain investigation under Rio Treaty procedures. As described DEPCIRTEL 767⁴ this could be done without fixing date for 8th Fonmin Meeting or indeed without finally committing governments that such meeting necessary. Purpose would be to obtain full and complete investigation of the facts after which governments could decide whether further action called for. Department doubts IAPC procedure would be as efficacious as Rio Treaty investigation.

In conveying above you should of course emphasize deep preoccupation with which we observe that Venezuelan Government chosen by popular vote in orderly constitutional elections is victim of disorder inspired from abroad.

Dillon

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 731.00/11–3060. Confidential; Niact. Drafted by Mann and by Edward A. Jamison, Deputy Director of the Office of Inter-American Regional Political Affairs.
2. The referenced telegram from Caracas, November 30, 1960, reported that the Foreign Minister had made available to the Embassy that day a series of diplomatic reports indicating another civilian-military movement to overthrow Betancourt, which had the support of Trujillo.
3. The referenced telegram from Caracas, November 30, 1960, reported: “Wide agreement among responsible AD COPEI and independent political sectors from President down, that Communists and MIR are initiating incidents.” (731.00/11–3060).
4. Not printed (731.00/11-2360)