810.154/6–2744: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Dominican Republic (Briggs) to the Secretary of State

301. My telegram No. 287, June 20, 8 p.m. A Project Statement was signed today by Gardner and the Director General of Public Works approving total of $65,000 for surfacing and completion of remainder of Jimaní–Cabral road. Previous commitments total $103,664 plus asphalt project of $7,500; total funds obligated in the Dominican Republic are therefore approximately $176,000. Project Statement being forwarded by pouch. Please inform James.9

A primary reason for the Dominican delay and maneuvering on this final budget appears to have been their belief, derived from Gardner that any balance between the total amount agreed upon for work in this country and the $200,000 maximum mentioned in the Memorandum of Understanding would be allocated to Haiti. I consider the figure finally agreed upon to be the lowest obtainable in all the circumstances and have been assured by the Dominican authorities that they will forthwith make equipment available and get to work.

Briggs
  1. Edward W. James, Chief, Inter-American Regional Office, Public Roads Administration.