EXTRADITION OF PEREZ JIMENEZ' TO VENEZUELA

Created: 7/22/1963

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

Ores-

THE DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTELLtGEMCE

Dear Dean:

In response to your inquiry ofm transmittingemorandum in whichesponds specifically to the question you directed to mc. You can considers gratuitous and representative of the Agency's interest In the problem, but which deal with subjects which are theof the Department of State.

I have noted and reported from time to time serious deficiencies in the internal security services of the Venezuelan government. It is because of this that the Agency expresses doubt concerning the VSS caj>abUityJo_ protectPerez Jimenez. Thia lack of capability has been demonstrated on several occasions when appropriate Venezuelan government authorities have been warned by us in advance of impending acts of violence, have been unable to take appropriate protective measures, and,esult, the forecasted acts of violence have taken place.

The Honorable Dean Rusk The Secretary of State Washington, D. C.

Attachment

3

SUBJECT: Extradition of Perez Jimenez to Venezuela

Implications_of Perez Jimenez' Return

His return at the present time, or at any time prior to the electionse" held in November, would tend

aggravate^thg..alreadyand both the center and the right. to

accept and defend Perez Jimenez1 extradition, while allof the opposition, both of the left and right, would tend to attack the action. It is believed that thewould be exploited by propaganda from the left, and that political agitation from that direction would greatly increase.

Attitude Toward the Extradition.

Obviously, Betancourt cannotublic or official position against the return of Perez Jimenez. Ho mustbe aware of the additional political problems which Perez Jimenez' return would create. He has, however, stated repeatedly to the Embassy that he does not believe the return of Perez Jimenez would cause great difficulties. As recently ash,red_^he^ Perez Jimenez back.

3. Can the Venezuelan Government Provide Adequatefor Perez Jimenez

The lack of coordination and known weaknesses of the Venezuelan Security Services, have not demonstrated an ability to protect the life of Perez Jimenez. It would certainly be difficult, if not impossible, to give him adequate protection in any normal prison situation. With regardrial, the feeling against Perez Jimenez from many directions, fanned by leftist propaganda and agitation, would be so intenseair trial would be highly unlikely. It should be borne in mind, of course, that if he is returned to Venezuela, Perez Jimenez will be tried for the crime of embezzlement, rather thanolitical crime. It is also perhaps of somethat there is no death penalty in Venezuela.

Original document.

---

---