839.51/4616
The Chargé in the Dominican Republic (Hinkle) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 16.]
Sir: With reference to the Legation’s telegram No. 33 of June 10—9 a.m., reporting President Trujillo as having indicated that he [Page 499] would have a new proposal made as soon as possible regarding the Convention, I have the honor to report that the Dominican Foreign Secretary today said that no instructions have yet been sent to Minister Pastoriza to withdraw the Dominican note. The Foreign Secretary said that he was under the impression that the President could not very well withdraw the note until another Dominican proposal might be accepted. The Foreign Secretary explained that the President felt that before retiring in August he would have to have something concrete to show to the country representing his efforts to modify the Convention. If a proposal could be drawn up by the Dominican Government before then and acceptable for us then it was the President’s idea to withdraw all previous notes on the subject. However, failing successful negotiations the President felt that he would have to publish at least the last two notes.
The Foreign Secretary pointed out that inasmuch as the last Dominican note had not been withdrawn, it seemed as if it was up to us to make a counter-proposal. I pointed out that the President had indicated in our last interview that it was his idea to have a new proposal made as soon as possible. The Dominican Foreign Secretary replied that he understood the President had not yet fully decided on the whole matter and would reach some decision in a few days.
The Foreign Secretary said that he personally felt it would be a mistake to withdraw the notes at present, but that a new proposal might perhaps be made. I pointed out that a withdrawal of both notes would make a much better impression in Washington for future negotiations.
With regard to any modified Convention the Dominican Foreign Secretary was sure that his Government could insist that the President of the Dominican Republic appoint the personnel of the Customs Receivership.
As the President has already suggested, the Foreign Secretary felt that should a proposal be made he would like very much to have the benefit of Minister Norweb’s informal comment before sending it to Washington.
Respectfully yours,