738.39/2–1449: Telegram
The Ambassador in Haiti (DeCourcy) to the Secretary of State
29. Week end brought increased tension over Dominican relations.1 Assembly hastily passed February 12: (1) resolution requesting Executive apply law on compulsory military service; (2) bill authorizing national defense loan $3,000,000 with provision for enforced subscriptions by all government employees and persons working for commercial and industrial firms Haitian or foreign (see Embdes 68, [Page 439] February 122). Loan measure certain encounter resistance and already causing bitter comment despite general popular support of government in Roland affair.3 It could boomerang to disadvantage Estimé4 administration. There also under consideration by Senate Committee bill passed by Lower House providing for un-Haitian activities committee to investigate cases disloyalty. This proposal likewise has created nervousness.
I saw President Saturday5 and found him in aggressive mood. He said he thought he would have to fight Trujillo,6 as latter seemed determined cause trouble Haiti. Consequently, he was proceeding all necessary steps put country on defense basis.
While recognizing provocation given through Roland broadcasts, I urged maintenance calm dignified attitude protest, rather than continuation inflammatory and abusive language such as has been directed at Trujillo by radio and press past several days. I also emphasized desirability avoiding frontier incidents capable starting armed hostilities; pointed out Haiti’s military weakness and expressed belief conflict could be settled through diplomatic channels or by OAS. Estimé said he would take no aggressive step but must prepare for worst.
Yesterday I talked with Papal Nuncio, who appears have some influence both countries, and suggested he might attempt spread oil on troubled waters. He agreed to try. After conversation with President, I am convinced it would help greatly if Dominican government would get Roland out of country. Estimé said he would not care if Roland went to US, Mexico, Jamaica, or elsewhere, so long as body water was between him and Haiti. I mentioned this idea Roland’s removal to Nuncio and to Dominican Ambassador. If Department thinks it worthwhile, it might consider making similar suggestion to Dominican Ambassador Washington and through Embassy Ciudad Trujillo.
One encouraging factor is high army officers appear not unduly excited over situation.
Diplomatic corps in general feels Haitian government playing its cards very badly.
Sent Ciudad Trujillo airmail.
- In view of Haitian fears concerning a possible Dominican invasion, the Ambassador in Haiti had been authorized on January 21 to inform the President that if such an attack took place, the United States would take immediate action in consultation with the other American Republics and in accordance with the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (telegram 14 to Port-au-Prince, 838.00/1–2149, not printed).↩
- Not printed.↩
- See infra.↩
- Dumarsais Estimé, President of Haiti.↩
- February 12, 1949.↩
- General Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina, President of the Dominican Republic.↩