Pedro Itriago Chacín

Pedro Itriago Chacín (9 September 1875 - 19 May 1936), was a Venezuelan lawyer, professor, politician and diplomat. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela from 1921 to 1936.

Pedro Itriago Chacín was born in the town of Zaraza, Guárico, son of Hilario Itriago Gibert and Josefa Chacín. Made his primary education at his hometown, and high school studies in Barcelona, Anzoátegui. Then, comes to Caracas, studying law at the Central University of Venezuela, graduating as Doctor in political sciences in 1899. In 1901 works at the newspaper El Porvenir and the magazine Ariel, his sympathies toward the figure of General José Manuel "Mocho" Hernández, keep him away from the Cipriano Castro regime. After serving at the judiciaries of the states Anzoátegui and Sucre, in 1911, funds in Caracas along with Ramon Parpacén the magazine Patria Futura. Also, at this time occupies the charge of President of the Supreme Court of the Federal District (Caracas). However, as cause of his refusal to yield the files of the trial involving Eustoquio Gómez, is sentenced to fifteen years imprisonment for the murder of Governor Luis Mata Illas in 1907, forced him to resign. Retiring to Los Teques, teaching at the San José School.

In 1915, works as legal consulting of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and as teacher of History of Roman Law at the Central University of Venezuela. In 1915 is awarded in Buenos Aires, for his book Estudios Jurídicos. From 1921 is in charge of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, staying at this position for fifteen years (1921–1936). As chancellor, achieved the return of territory by the Colombian government to Venezuela. Along with, Santiago Key-Ayala, Lisandro Alvarado and José Austria, maintained the foreign policy of Venezuela on a high rank. Due to the rupture of diplomatic relations with Mexico in 1923, famously declared: "Venezuela or cause or fear." Chacín, was Professor of History and Philosophy of International Law at the Central University, sums up his work as professor in the book En la cátedra (1930), later adopted as textbook in Chile. Also, was in charge of the Presidency, following the resignation of Juan Bautista Pérez. Is confirmed in office as minister, after the death of Juan Vicente Gómez, by President Eleazar López Contreras.

Although the events of 14 February 1936 forced him to resign, is the only minister of the Gómez regime, that his last Report and Statement is approved by Congress. Finally, after being object of insults and vilification, left the country, exiling at the Canary Islands, where he later died of heart failure. Although in 1915 was elected as member of the Venezuelan Academy of Political Sciences, he never formally joined the institution.

See also

• Venezuela
• Foreign relations of Venezuela

References

• (Spanish) Biography at Venezuelatuya.com
• (Spanish) Biography by Andrés Scott Peña