File No. 839,00/3071.
The Secretary of State to Minister Sullivan.
Washington, February 27, 1914, 10 p.m.
Your February 25, 11 p.m. You will present in person to all factional leaders and if you think advisable make public the following:
That the Department of State favors the present Government because it is the constitutional government and because it continues to favor constitutional and legislative reforms which all leaders a few months ago claimed to desire. Department considers these reforms indispensable to the establishment of permanent liberty and order and it will not sympathize with or help any faction opposing these reforms so greatly desired by a vast majority of the people. Therefore, it is hoped that all political leaders will see it to the advantage of their country as well as to themselves to urge prompt enactment of constitutional amendments and legislative reforms as the time for holding elections is approaching and it is desirable that elections be not held under present laws.
Department can not at this time contemplate negotiating sufficient bonds in New York to produce $1,600,000 without approval of Dominican Congress. Since Bordas claims if he can pay civil employees and support campaign for two months that Arias will be forever eliminated and constitutional reforms needed can be assured, Department suggests that you interview the local banks regarding a loan to Dominican Government of amount sufficient to cover back salaries. This loan is to be repaid from the proceeds resulting from the negotiation of bonds. Department understands Bordas practically assures this Government that the Dominican Congress will ultimately approve negotiation of these bonds, as the result of paying civil salaries under the supervision of commercial attaché. Department under such assurances awaits terms on which Dominicans can secure loan up to $500,000, and is disposed to consider extending authorization, made necessary under Convention of 1907, to increase Dominican debt. Department recommends that as your interview with Vidal resulted favorably you accompany commission and personally impress Arias with the necessity of [Page 213] peaceable arrangement. He should be informed that revolutionary methods will not be permitted. If this procedure will enlist his support of constitutional and legislative reforms, the country will have opportunity to consider calmly the contemplated constitutional amendments and legislative enactments.
If he refuses we will study the means of helping you to carry out the reforms without him.