VENEZUELAN RULING PARTY TENSE OVER DOMINICAN AFFAIR
Caracas, Venezuela.
A tense situation is developing within Accidén Democrdtica, the government party, due to the North American invasion of Santo . Domingo. -
Although President Leoni has vacillated, his general line is in open opposition to the Yankee action in the Dominican Republic and he has lodged a protest with the United States. The: official newspaper Reptiblica has strongly attacked Johnson, and the majority of Accién Democratica, including its leading bodies, have backed Leoni in his policy which, at the beginning, was direct support of
former President Bosch but which has now shifted to Colonel Gaafmafio.
The opposition is supporting Leoni in this matter, but indicating its reservations because of his vacillation.
Leonits vacillation is due, in part, to fear of pressure from the Venezuelan army, but more particularly to the position adopted by former President Betancourt, who is now living in the United States, According to indications here he favors Venezuela sending troops to help cover up the North American occupation of the island,
Betancourt wields heavy influence in Accién Democrdtica, Nevertheless, the party leadership has sent emissaries to the United States to let Betancourt know that if he comes out publicly in favor of the Yankees in this conflict, in defiance of the policy adopted by Leoni, Accién Democrdtica will publicly disavow him, o
The reason for this is the indignant popular reaction to the Yankee invasion, part of the general reaction throughout Latin America. Every party without exception has condemned the U.S.
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