839.00/7–2447: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the Dominican Republic
139. Dominican Amb called on Assistant Secretary Armour yesterday and stated his Govt had reliable report of impending substantial well-armed invasion Dominican Republic from Cuba. Participants stated to consist of Cubans, Venezuelans, Spaniards and Guatemalans. He said Cuban Government informed but unable take effective preventive measures. He mentioned large influx suspicious persons into Puerto Rico and stated Puerto Rico frequently used in past as jumping [Page 645] off point for attacks on Dominican Republic though he had no other evidence expedition being launched from Puerto Rico. Dept alerting appropriate US officials re this possibility. Amb referred to possible armed attack by same elements from Haiti.
Amb said his Govt’s principal reason bringing this matter our attention aside from general info was assertion by these and other anti-Trujillo elements of sympathy if not support from US. Amb stated he knew no justification for these assertions but referred to statements by US officials being used for this purpose by Trujillo enemies. He cited particularly Pres Truman’s remarks on presentation his credentials31 as being publicly distorted throughout other American republics to indicate anti-Trujillo slant by US. He said something should be done to stop circulation these false interpretations US attitude and intimated US officials should take care not to make public statements capable being used this purpose.
Amb was advised this Govt has taken no action justify alleged remarks anti-Trujillo groups cited by Amb and that we cannot undertake control form and tenor press reports. Amb then informed we have received over past six months constant stream reports revolutionary activities and plots against various countries bordering on Caribbean and requested full investigation appropriate agencies this Govt to prevent and punish violations US laws. He was frankly told one such rumored plot investigated had revealed evidence of attack planned on Venezuela from Dominican Republic, that we intend to prosecute certain individuals and that unpleasant publicity may ensue.
Amb stated he fully realized our obligation to enforce laws and prosecute violations thereof. He added Minister Counselor Nouel of his staff here was recalled when he became aware of Nouel’s involvement with Lopez Contreras’ activities.
Amb told we welcome any info from him on matters this nature and he was given substance Habana’s tel 379 July 24 and Port-au-Prince’s tel 256 July 24.32 It was emphasized our reports from Cuba did not indicate rumored attack from Cuba is of magnitude described by Amb.
Repeated to AmEmbassies Habana, Caracas, Port-au-Prince and Guatemala City.33