Office of the Historian

739.5622/10–2252

Memorandum by the Chairman of the United States Delegation to the Inter-American Defense Board (Walsh) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Miller)

secret
Washington, 22 October 1952.

Subject:

  • Aircraft for the Dominican Republic

Having been advised that the Dominican Republic has informally requested advice from the Department of State concerning that Department’s attitude toward issuance of an export license which would permit the export to the Dominican Republic of 40 F–51 aircraft, it is suggested that the Dominican Republic be informed substantially as follows:

  • “1. The United States Government is anxious to assist the Dominican Republic in its efforts to establish and maintain a military organization capable of maintaining the internal security of that government and assisting the other American States in their common effort of preparing for defense of the Western Hemisphere against any possible aggression. This general policy is subject, of course, as in the case of all countries, to military priorities which take into account relative urgency of needs for military equipment.
  • 2. The Dominican Republic has purchased 25 F–47s from the United States and, as you know, plans now call for delivery of 6 of these aircraft in November and 8 in December with the balance to follow [Page 934] as soon as practicable. Furthermore, your Government’s request, dated 23 June 1952,1 for 7 additional F–47–B/30 aircraft is now under consideration by the Department of Defense and, as of this time, the request is being given favorable consideration and details are being worked out between U.S. Air Force representatives and the Dominican Embassy.
  • 3. It is suggested that the Dominican Republic make every effort to confine its procurement of fighter aircraft to a single type thereby minimizing maintenance and spare parts procurement difficulties that are inherent with the operation of several types. The United States advises that the Dominican Republic, prior to purchase of F–51s, explore the possibility with the Defense Department of additional procurement of F–47 aircraft. It is possible, if not probable, that delivery of F–47 aircraft cannot be accomplished with the same speed as F–51s; however, we feel that the advantages to be gained in concentrating on a single type of fighter aircraft outweigh the disadvantages of a delay. Furthermore, in the light of present circumstances, the United States will, in all likelihood, be better able to support the spare parts requirements of F–47 aircraft than F–51 aircraft.
  • 4. Under conditions existing at the present time, if the Dominican Republic after seeking from the United States procurement of F–47 aircraft should find that the probable delivery dates are such as to preclude adequate defense and preparation for common defense of the Western Hemisphere and that, concurrently, F–51 aircraft are available in sufficient numbers to meet the defense requirements of that country, the United States would favorably consider an application for license to export these aircraft to the Dominican Republic.”

R. L. Walsh

Major General, USAF
  1. Not printed (739.5 MSP/6–2352).↩