356. Telegram From the Secretary of State to the Embassy in Haiti1

25. Dept shares your apparent view that it is not ordinarily desirable in inter-American relations to utilize recognition as an instrument of policy (see resolution XXXV Bogotá Conference). Likewise Embtel 212 does not indicate that any positive advantages are likely to accrue from withholding of recognition from Kebreau Junta for an indefinite further period. Therefore while Junta did not react as well as expected to your approach as summarized Embtel 21, Dept would appreciate your views regarding following line of reasoning:

1) Present Junta has been in de facto control of Haitian Government since June 12. There appears to be no organized threat shaping up or widespread opposition to its continuing control; 2) Kebreau has indicated his regime prepared to live up to country’s international obligations; 3) There is no evidence on hand that Junta is influenced by or connected with communist elements; 4) Whether or when elections are to be held is an internal decision not properly a condition precedent to recognition although we should continue impress on Haitians by all appropriate means importance we attribute to elections; 5) On balance and after full consideration certain [Page 962] deficiencies in attitude of Junta outlined in your recent reports, would it not be better to try to cope with shortcomings through establishing and utilizing diplomatic relations with Kebreau regime?3

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 738.00/7–1957. Confidential; Priority.
  2. See footnote 2, supra.
  3. In telegram 30 from Port-au-Prince, July 22, Ambassador Drew reported in part: “If Department in light broader picture as seen from Washington perspective decides recognize I will make no objection. However I don’t think Junta has earned recognition with all stops out. I recommend it be done in strictly routine manner with no fanfare.” (Department of State, Central Files, 738.02/7–2257)