Brief Moment

The U.S.'s cool attitude toward the military junta now ruling Venezuela was sharply stressed last week when squat, bull-necked Jose Rafael Pocaterra, the junta's special envoy to the U.S., handed his credentials to Secretary of State Dean Acheson. For speed, the diplomatic niceties set something of a record: two minutes. As Pocaterra recalled it, the correct but icy interview went like this:

Pocaterra (shaking hands): I have the honor, Mr. Secretary, to present to you my credentials as Ambassador of Venezuela on official mission. (Hands papers to Acheson.)

Acheson: Thank you very much.

Pocaterra: Mr. Secretary, it certainly is nice to have such a sunny day after yesterday's snow and sleet, isn't it?

Acheson: Yes, it certainly is.

Pocaterra (rising): Well, Mr. Secretary, I do not want to take up any more of your time. It is a great pleasure to meet you.

Acheson: I am very happy to know you, Mr. Ambassador. Goodbye.

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