MEMORANDUM FOR THE HOLDERS OF SNIE 80-61: SECURITY CONDITIONS IN CARACAS AND B

Created: 12/14/1961

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

CENTRAL IHTELLIGENCE AGENCY

LBj LT2SARY

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IMrirmM fcr the hcuess qf: GEcmiTY ccHDrnars

IN CARACAS AND BOGOTA

The United Stateo Intelligence Beard has reviewed,

"Security Conditions In Caracas andn the light of information subsequently racoivod (as set forth in thond hereby reaffirms that estimate, which is summarized as follows:

1. The governments of Venezuela and Colombia are

vitally interested In tho success of tbe President's visit, tbey will be alert to protect bin free danger tr embarrassment, ondhey have forces ot their dlspoaol adequate to maintain general control of the situation. Nevertheleas, there are elements in both countries eager to create the appearance of populartoward the US and popular rejection of the Alliance for ProgrocB, and at tho sane tlae to discredit their own governments. Those elements will olraost certainly take advantage of the occasion to otcge Booe sort of hostile denonotratioo. The nature and effect of these efforts will dependarge measure on the immediate

circuastcaces oxd the Conner in which, the cceurity forces deal vith the occasion.

2. Tbe object of nost hostile efforts vould oloost

certainly be to subject the President oxd bis party to personal indignity rather than to physical injury, but sot* risk of the latternherent in the circuastancea. There io, ofossibility of on assassination attetrpt by scoe fanaticor scnll group.

3. The situation In Caracas could be adversely affected

by developDsnts in the Doainican Republic, particularly if it could be node to appear that the US vas supporting theof military dictatorship there.

The significant Information received1 ia surcorized at Annex.

LXKTTED 3ISTRIBUTIC?"

antex

SIGNIFICANT developmeitrs REPORTEDl Carocas

The Veneauelan Government has received information that leftist exposition groups will atteppt to assassinate President Betaneourt before the arrival of President Kennedy.

The Cocnunlst Politburo Is fully agreed that strong notion is required on tho occr.nlor. of President Kennedy's visit (but excluding his assassination) in order to discredit the Betaneourt re gleehe Alliance for Progress. Thereivision of opinion regarding what should bo done. llltaat faction desires to attack dlitary and police barracks, dynamite bridges on the

route frca the airport to the city, block traffic, stagerati ona nt the airport, along the route to the city, and iu slut: areas, and provoke the police to fire on youthful Another faction apparently prefers to extemporize and desires to licit tbe amount of violence involved.

wave of demonstrations and violenceovember has damlnicbed. Hostile agitationin the form of painting slogans an walls end

SECSTT

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distributing leaflets. Acts of violence still occur, but the police appear to have the situation reasonably in band. Most cf the high schools have been closed and soma university students have dispersed for the holidays. While extremist students are reported to be planning disturbances, the President has warned that the University will be promptly occupied Ifbegin there.

h. The authorities responsible for maintaining security during the Presidents visit have renewed their assurances, but acknowledge that scattered end minor diaturbancea nay occur.

5. An effort to build up positive popular support for the President's visit is veil underway. President BeteccDurt,the CTV (labor federation) Congress, distinguished theof this occasion froa those of Mr. Nix or.'a visit and called on the militants of the cedition parties and the working close to be on the streets toordial velccceresident "whoew thinking toward and preoccupation with Latin America rooted in tbe Rooseveltian Good neighbor Policy." These sentiments were enthusiastically applauded. The Cardinal hasastoral letter calling for the avoidance of disagreeable

annex

incidents that would dishonor the country. The press and radio are also callingara and friendly velccce under tbe slogan

ennedy Torblen.

Bageta

6. The Colccbian Ccmunlsts ord other extreme leftists didos at any significant popular mnifeatatlon against the Colcnbian Governoent's breach of diplomatic relations with Cuba. They have apparently concluded that neither personal attacks on President Kennedy nor large-scale demonstrations will be feasible during tbe President's visit. Their plans are apparentlyprioarily to painting slogans on valla and distributing propaganda leaflets, although there is bom tali; of student demonstrations.

7- Other disaffectedhe Rojistas and the Galtonl3ta6have apparently decided to take advantage of the occasion to cake their point by turning out In force to cheer the President while booing the Colccbian authorities.

Original document.

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