839.00/2797: Telegram
The Commissioner in the Dominican Republic (Welles) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 15—1:44 a.m.]
10. My telegram of February 4, 10 a.m., and February 9, 10 a.m. Upon ascertaining that neither the threatened abstention of the Coalition [candidate?] from the elections nor his threatened withdrawal as a candidate would bring about a further postponement of the elections nor cause the Alliance Party to consent to enter into a political deal, Señor Peynado on February 11 definitely advised the national assembly of his party that he would continue as Presidential candidate. The chances of success for the Coalition Party in the national elections appear exceedingly small and it seems to be the endeavor of the leaders of the party at present to concentrate their efforts upon the few provinces where they have an opportunity of winning the elections. Obstructive methods are already being employed by the Coalition Party with a view to retarding the electoral procedure, but I do not consider that these tactics can meet with success.