Letter to the President-Elect of Venezuela.

[ Released December 20, 1958. Dated December 18, 1958 ]

Dear Mr. Betancourt:

I am taking advantage of the official visit of Assistant Secretary of State Thomas C. Mann to convey to you my warm greetings and congratulations upon your election to the high office of the Presidency of the Republic of Venezuela.

The elections conducted in your country on December 7 represent an important contribution to free and democratic institutions in this Hemisphere. The common devotion of our peoples to such institutions further strengthens our relations and provides a firm basis for our continuing friendship and cooperation.

I convey to you my best wishes for you and your family, and for your success in the high office which the Venezuelan people have conferred on you.

Sincerely,

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

His Excellency

Senor Don Romulo Betancourt

President-elect of the Republic of

Venezuela, Caracas.