839.113/12–947: Telegram

The Chargé in the Dominican Republic ( Burrows ) to the Secretary of State

secret

339. Reliable information received Dominican LCM San Rafael left Calderas naval base some days ago en route Rio to aid in transporting [Page 135] armaments. Transfer of funds reported Embtel 329, December 114 amounted to 240,000 American dollars. Since 10,000 obsolete rifles and 2 million shells (most recent estimates received here of quantities involved) would account for only small fraction this expenditure the few other items of which Brazilian Foreign Minister spoke (Rio’s telegram 1671, December 4) must be more significant part of purchase than has appeared probable. Embassy considers much artillery may be included since this country short this type equipment. Caracas telegram 458 November 2414 may furnish more accurate estimate purchases.

Consensus in this Embassy as in Caracas (Caracas telegram 271 December 814) that armed invasion attack can be completely discounted. No evidence has come to light here of any such preparations and in any event Dominican Republic in no position offer military threat either Cuba or Venezuela. Also more that nature would not serve Trujillo’s purposes; believed his feints toward Cuba merely effort embarrass Grau15 government in return Cuban implication Dominican revolution threat.

If Venezuela or Cuba ripe for revolution, however, certainly conceivable Trujillo would lend moral support and even material aid in terms air force coverage. He is not prepared by any stretch imagination launch open attack any other kind.

. . . . . . .

Burrows
  1. Not printed.
  2. Not printed.
  3. Not printed.
  4. Ramon Grau San Martín, President of Cuba.