839.918/9
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Navy (Daniels)
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to inform you that this Department has just received, and noted with much concern, a despatch from the American Minister at Santo Domingo enclosing copies of Executive Orders Nos. 572 and 573, forbidding under penalty publication of certain articles or the expression of certain statements within the Dominican Republic, of which I presume, from the recent conversations which you have had with the Department of State, you likewise have been unaware.
I feel certain, from sentiments which you have expressed from time to time, that you fully concur in my opinion that the above mentioned Executive Orders are peculiarly objectionable as breathing a spirit foreign to American ideals and actions. And further, I view these Executive Orders, if possible, with the more regret since they are calculated to counteract the good effect of our Proclamation of December 23rd last,29 relative to withdrawal, as well as to embarrass the successful achievement of the intentions set forth therein.
Therefore, I hasten to enclose herewith, as agreed upon in a recent conversation in this connection, an Executive Order30 for promulgation by the Military Governor of Santo Domingo, which will revoke Executive Orders Nos. 572 and 573, and leave in force as Article II. the second paragraph of Executive Order No. 385, clauses (a) and (b).31
In view of the seriousness of this matter, I have the honor to request that instructions to the above effect be sent immediately to Rear Admiral Snowden, Military Governor of the Dominican Republic, and that he be informed of the opinion of the Department of State in regard to Executive Orders Nos. 572 and 573.
I am [etc.]