839.00/9–347

Memorandum of Conversation, by the Assistant Chief of the Division of Caribbean Affairs (Walker)

confidential
Participants: Dr. Joaquin E. Salazar, Dominican Chargé d’Affaires
Mr. James H. Wright, Department of State (ARA)
Mr. William W. Walker, Department of State (CRB)

Dr. Salazar, at the Department’s request, called at Mr. Wright’s office this morning. Mr. Wright opened the conversation by stating that the Department had received from Ambassador Butler a telegram furnishing the substance of a note delivered to him and to other Chiefs of Mission by the Acting Dominican Minister of Foreign Affairs, requesting information on the activities of Dominican revolutionaries in their respective territories. He went on to say that for some months this Government has been exercising the closest vigilance over the activities of Latin-American exile groups in this country and that every precaution has been taken in an effort to prevent any illegal activity on the part of such groups. The Department, he explained, has maintained the closest cooperation with Ambassador Ortega Frier, Dr. Salazar and other members of the Dominican Embassy, and has exchanged information on the activities of the Dominican revolutionaries. He referred particularly to the frequent conversations that officers of the Department have had with Señor Herrera, of the Dominican Embassy, and to the almost daily conferences for the exchange of information.

Mr. Wright cited the detention of the LCI vessel at Baltimore as an example of the vigilance exercised by this Government and assured Dr. Salazar that no stone would be left unturned in continuing the closest possible surveillance. Dr. Salazar expressed complete satisfaction over the action being taken by this Government.

Mr. Wright referred to that section of the Dominican note concerning a statement attributable to the Dominican revolutionaries that their movement was supported by public officials of this Government and pointed out that the movement did not have the support of any officials of this Government. Dr. Salazar agreed with Mr. Wright that such information was undoubtedly false. Mr. Wright then referred to the Dominican allegation that some of the leaders of the movement were American citizens and stated that the Department would appreciate it very much if the Dominican Government would furnish it with any available information regarding this matter.

Dr. Salazar stated that his government was concerned over the failure of the Cuban Government to take steps against the Dominican [Page 654] revolutionaries and particularly disturbed over evidence that elements of the Cuban Government were openly assisting and abetting the conspirators. He mentioned that latest reports indicate that the revolutionaries have several small boats, twelve airplanes, and about 1700 men on Cuban territory. He also mentioned that of late there had been some movement of the ships belonging to the revolutionary group, particularly in the vicinity of Nuevitas and Holguín. Mr. Wright remarked that such movements were subject to almost daily air reconnaissance.

Dr. Salazar said that his government was fearful that the Cuban Government was making available to the revolutionaries arms and ammunition obtained from the United States. In this connection, he mentioned that Sr. Ramirez, whom he referred to as a Cuban citizen, had made frequent trips to the United States, presumably in an effort to purchase arms and weapons of war for the revolutionaries. He admitted, however, that because of the considerable travel between United States and Cuba, and the fact that Cubans entering this country for 29 days or less do not require visas, it would be utterly impossible to check the movements of all incoming passengers from Cuba. Mr. Walker pointed out that it was his understanding that Sr. Ramirez is now in Habana.

Mr. Wright stated that the Department had received a telegraphic report from Caracas saying that Sr. Rodriguez had recently left Venezuela, presumably for Cuba. The report, he added, went on to say that while Rodriguez was in Caracas he allegedly visited a number of Dominican exiles and that the feeling among them seemed to be that of disillusionment. Their plans, Mr. Wright added, apparently had been altered somewhat by their inability to get the LCI vessel from Baltimore. Mr. Wright took occasion at this point to reiterate that this vessel would be detained at Baltimore indefinitely.