737.39/12–1449: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Cuba
481. Cuban Chargé and Dominican Amb called on Asst Sec Miller today 2:30 p. m. and 3:45 p. m., respectively, at Miller’s request in order receive oral expression our great concern Caribbean situation, especially following Congress speech Trujillo. Urtel 428 Dec. 14.1 [Page 467] Miller emphasized conversation with both Meyer and Thomen we sincerely hope both Govts endeavor settle differences bilateral basis and every effort made with objective that tension subside. Amb Daniels also present stated Peace Comite considering what action, if any, to take in matter, but no decision reached re formal handling dispute by Comite. Meyer expressed doubt desire Cuban Govt participate bilateral discussions although Thomen stated believed his Govt fully prepared discuss bilateral basis preferably in Wash and expressed willingness seek instrs. Meyer delivered note2 expressing his Govt’s view IA Peace Comite shld consider situation created by Dom action. Miller suggested informal mtg next week himself, Meyer and Thomen to prepare way for further mtgs here between the two dipl reps. Understand they will refer proposal their Govts and inform Dept next week.
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Not printed. The telegram reported on adverse Cuban reaction to President Trujillo’s address on December 12 before the Dominican Congress wherein he requested special war-making powers for actions which might prove necessary against external revolutionary movements and countries which tolerated or assisted them.
At his news conference on December 14, Secretary of State Acheson made a statement, in reference to the reports on President Trujillo’s address, which read in part as follows:
“… This Government deplores the action of the Government of the Dominican Republic in having brought up the possibility of the use of armed force for the purpose of ‘war’. It is our profound conviction that the use of this term is entirely inappropriate in relation to any question bearing upon the relations between the members of our American community of nations. It is our view that proper procedures exist within the inter-American system for dealing with situations which threaten the peace and for repelling aggression against any of the American republics from any source. We hope that the statement of the Dominican government does not mean that it intends to ignore further reference of its charges to inter-American consideration. Such failure to utilize inter-American procedures could only have a provocative and non-beneficial effect on the international relations of the Caribbean area.… (Department of State Bulletin, December 26, 1949, p. 990.)
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