File No. 839.00/1842
Vice Consul von
Zielinski to the Secretary of
State
[Extract]
No. 33
American Consulate General,
Santo Domingo,
May 17, 1916.
Sir: I have the honor to report that at a
conference with the Minister and the military authorities it was decided
that Señor Troncoso, President of the City Council, should retain full
police powers and organize a force to keep order, while our troops were
only going to take necessary military measures.
Two circulars bearing on the subject of public safety were issued by Rear
Admiral Caperton the same day, copies of which are enclosed. Sr.
Troncoso also had a notice circulated explaining the situation, a copy
of the same is transmitted herewith.
I have [etc.]
[Inclosure 1]
[Untitled]
[The same as inclosure D with Admiral
Caperton’s May 13, ante]
[Inclosure 2—Translation]
Admiral Caperton
to the People of Santo Domingo
notice to the people
- 1.
- Owing to the conditions that have existed in and around this
city in consequence of the fact that rebels in arms have taken
possession of the city, excluding therefrom the constitutional
officials of the Government, and after all means to arrive at a
peaceful settlement of the situation had been exhausted, it
became necessary to have the city occupied by forces of the
United States of America.
- 2.
- Notice is hereby given to the citizens of Santo Domingo that
the forces of the United States of America have assumed control
in this city.
- 3.
- All the inhabitants are requested to stay in the city and
cooperate with me and my representatives in protecting life and
property and maintaining order.
- 4.
- All public officials are asked to remain at their posts and
cooperate with me and my representatives in maintaining order
within and around the city.
- 5.
- The sale of all kinds of spirituous beverages to the American
troops is strictly forbidden and any infringement of this order
shall be immediately punished.
W. B. Caperton
,
Rear Admiral of the American Navy
[Page 229]
[Inclosure 3—Translation]
The President of the City
Council to the People of Santo
Domingo
to the people
There was held this morning an interview between the President of the
City Council and the Minister of the United States, Rear Admiral
Caperton, and the commanders of the naval and land forces of the
United States in Santo Domingo. A notice was there given to him
that, in accordance with the communication made to Generals
Desiderio Arias and M. and C. Jiménez, the American forces now
detached in the suburbs will enter the city on Monday morning, and
will do so peacefully unless hostile acts or manifestations should
be made against them, in which case they will take earnest action.
The American Minister added that the purpose for which that force is
entering is to guarantee the free election of the new President of
the Republic by the Chambers.
The President of the Council, in the exercise of the powers yesterday
conferred upon him by the Corporation, brings the foregoing to the
knowledge of the inhabitants of the capital, who therefore have no
occasion for fearing any armed attack, since, as is to be hoped at
this very painful moment for the country, all will act soberly and
calmly and refrain from hostile acts and manifestations, which would
be useless to the cause of patriotism.
M. de J. Troncoso de la
Conchá
,
President of the Council of the Commune
Santo Domingo
, May 14, 1916.
