839.00/3045: Telegram
The Minister in the Dominican Republic (Young) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:20 p.m.]
29. Probable that resolution expressing opinion that Presidential period is for six years will be introduced in Congress within few days, and adoption expected. Little question now but that President Vasquez desires and intends to remain in office until 1930 if possible. Only certain deterrent, seemingly, would be strong official representations on part of our Government, which I do not advise. If our insistence were successful that President Vasquez leave office in 1928, end of four-year term, probability is that he would be succeeded by Senator Alfonseca, whose ability to maintain political stability is seriously open to question.
I have most earnestly and carefully considered all the many factors involved, and advise that Dominican Minister in Washington be called to Department and in informal interview have impressed on him the possible serious consequences to the country if armed opposition were incited from any arbitrary prolongation of Presidential term or through choosing as a successor to the Presidency someone in whom neither majority of the public nor the leaders of President’s own party appear to have confidence.
In absence of any official interference from us, both the power and the responsibility rest squarely upon President Vasquez, and I believe that effect here would be helpful if weight of this responsibility be informally but earnestly impressed on Dominican Minister.