333. Telegram From the Department of State to President Kennedy, at Caracas1
707. Presidential Visit. Following from Santo Domingo, is repeated “Number 1298,2 December 16, 2 p.m., signed Hill”. Niact. Presidential Handling. Limit Distribution.
[Page 688]In accordance President’s instructions, called on President Balaguer late this morning and—after generally describing talks in San Juan and President Kennedy’s great personal interest in early solution which would preserve President Balaguer’s stature before history—conveyed to him the President’s message. Only change from text was substitution of “a date in January or February” for “February 27” since, on my return, was informed opposition negotiators still hopeful of January retirement and I did not wish place President Kennedy in position of undermining it by firmly suggesting a later date.
President Balaguer expressed appreciation for President’s message, which he said accorded with his own thinking except that point re announcement of his resignation unresolved. He listened attentively to passage in President’s message and to my amplifying explanations, including allusion to fact that President had found in 15 years experience that it was better to retain initiative with clear-cut solution than to be exposed to continuing pressures which would make decision, when finally announced, appear to have been taken under pressure. I also added that it was my own judgment that leaving this key question open would at same time make it difficult present clear-cut convincing solution to OAS and result here in continuing attacks by opposition which could be avoided if definite decision announced.
President Balaguer indicated he was personally convinced, but would have to talk to Armed Forces because it was they, not he, who opposed naming a fixed date, but he thought they could be persuaded. He was disposed to make speech and send necessary constitutional changes to Congress concurrently. He described negotiations as being in advanced state, with only unresolved issues being who should succeed him, [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] and when his withdrawal should be announced.
During conversation, General Rodriguez Echavarria sauntered in on another matter, and joined talk. He was obviously relaxed and on his best, most respectful manners with President. After President and I had briefed him, I conveyed to him President Kennedy’s message which obviously pleased him and also flattered him. In ensuing discussion, General neither approved nor disapproved of President making announcement but indicated generally he would agree to whatever President decided about plan and offered to make concurrent public announcement Armed Forces supported solution. However, he quietly firm that Rafael Bonelly not only should be but must be “Vice President of Council of State and President Balaguer’s successor as the person having confidence of Armed Forces”. [2 lines of source text not declassified]
As President and General saw it, agreement could be announced and sent Congress on Monday if opposition negotiations agreed to [Page 689] above. I myself am not sure Bonelly’s name will sit well with UCN because of his friendship with General.
Amiama, Bonelly and possibly Imbert to see President later in day and we shall see then whether agreement in sight and whether or not it would be desirable for Morales Carrion to return.”