Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The American Republics, Volume IV

739.5 MSP/1–2552

The Deputy Secretary of Defense (Foster) to the Secretary of State

top secret

Washington, January 25, 1952.

Dear Mr. Secretary: Reference is made to Mr. Matthews’ letter of 21 December 1951² suggesting that the Department of Defense give consideration to the possibility of approaching the Dominican Republic on a general basis regarding military cooperation for hemisphere defense, and that the United States Ambassador to that country be authorized to discuss the matter, with appropriate Dominican officials, so as to facilitate any future negotiations.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff have reached the following conclusions with which I concur:

a. At the present time the Department of Defense is formulating the Mutual Security Program for FY 1953. Consideration is being given to the assignment to the Dominican Republic of hemisphere defense tasks. However, because of the many factors which may preclude the granting of military aid to the Dominican Republic, it would be undesirable at this time to give rise to expectations that we would be unable to fufill at some future time.

b. The desirability is recognized of making a general approach regarding military cooperation with the Dominican Republic at this time. However, it is believed that the discussion of this matter should be along the lines contained in your airgram as dispatched to certain American diplomatic officers, dated 18 December 1951,³ rather than along the lines suggested by Mr. Matthews. Specifically the following comments reflect the Department of Defense position with regard to Mr. Matthews’ letter:

(1) While it is recognized that the Dominican Republic is important to the defense of the Antilles area, conversations should not be held which could be construed to indicate that the United States is considering the extension of grant military aid to the Dominican Republic.

(2) The United States should not offer to make a survey of the Dominican armed forces and facilities unless and until the United States is prepared to furnish grant aid to that country. Sufficient information can be obtained to make such preliminary surveys as are necessary without a formal survey. At the present time, the United States is not prepared to broaden its already extended grant aid commitments.

(3) All possible consideration is now being granted to Dominican requests for reimbursable assistance. No intimation should be made to raise false hopes for assistance beyond that now being granted.

(4) Although consideration is being given to possible ways in which Dominican arms production facilities might be used in a collective defense effort, the Dominicans should appreciate that they must compete with other countries for material and contracts.

Sincerely yours,

William C. Foster

2. Printed ibid., p. 1389.
3. Not printed (720.5 MSP/12–1851).