339.3921L96/26: Telegram

The Minister in the Dominican Republic (Russell) to the Secretary of State

45. Your October 8, 6 p.m. Fiallo has not been released. Execution of sentence of court martial against him suspended in accordance with instructions from the Navy Department and he is being held in custody for safekeeping until Navy Department has acted on the final sentence as forwarded by reviewing authority. Two other journalists, Sanabia and Castillo, are held in custody awaiting acquittance by Navy Department on the sentence of court martial. In the case of Cabrera, Venezuelan, all sentence against him was remitted except fine of $2500 which has not been collected but he was allowed to leave for the United States on depositing bond to secure this fine. Commandant of Marine Corps who recently visited here is familiar with all the details of this matter. All proceedings against Lugo have been postponed indefinitely.

Russell