839.154/12–1644: Telegram

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

533. With reference to my telegram No. 530, December 13, 5 [6] p.m.,10 Smyth11 of Public Roads Administration has just proceeded over the Cabral–Jimaní road and reports the almost complete absence of trucks or hauling equipment and no material progress. It is accordingly suggested that I be authorized to transmit a note to the Foreign Office containing sufficient background information to indicate that the Embassy is fully aware of the failure of the Dominican Government to meet its commitments and requesting that the Dominican Government inform the Embassy whether it is prepared to complete the work on the road within 8 months allotting such additional funds of its own as it may consider necessary for completion. I suggest that the note state further that should the position of the Dominican Government in this respect be negative the United States Government proposes to cancel the agreement12 in order that it may use the $65,000 elsewhere. This suggestion has been discussed with Smyth who is in accord. He is also of the opinion that [$]65,000 is adequate for completion of the road on the basis agreed upon with a maximum additional cost of $10,000 to repair rain damage, et cetera. It would be appreciated if the Department would take this matter up with Public Roads Administration sending telegraphic reply as soon as may be possible.

Briggs
  1. Not printed.
  2. A. P. Smyth succeeded Frank Gardner as Resident Engineer in October 1944.
  3. Reference is to the Project Statement signed June 27, 1944; see telegram 301. June 27, 8 p.m., p. 207.