DR–12. Telegram from the Chargé in the Dominican Republic (Dearborn) to be Department of State1
431. Today I accompanied Senator Smathers2 to remarkable interview with Generalissimo. Also present were President Hector Trujillo, Vice President Balaguer, Secretary De Moya, William D. Pawley, and three members Smathers’ party.
Senator initiated substance conversation by expressing appreciation for Generalissimo’s support in United Nations generally and particularly against international Communism. Said he recognized Trujillo had long been friend of United States. Generalissimo thanked Senator and remarked he would appreciate a little help now and then in his fight against Communists. Senator continued he well knew Generalissimo had done great deal for his country in many ways and compared progress now evident in Dominican Republic with situation here prior to Trujillo’s time. Senator remarked that bearing in mind friendship which he had for Trujillo and former’s respect for accomplishments already made, Senator would like see him rise to even greater eminence. Said it seemed to him Trujillo had opportunity rise to heights and fame unparalleled by any past or present Latin American Dictator. This opportunity was to arrange while still alive for transition to moderate democratic government. Senator noted all men had to die sometime for one reason or another and this would have to happen to Generalissimo eventually. What Smathers feared was that when that event occurred enemies of United States and Dominican Republic would rush in during confusion as occurred in Cuba and that Castro type government which neither United States nor Generalissimo would like would take over. Generalissimo’s comment was he did not believe his people so stupid as to accept such government. He noted there was President and Vice President and line of succession was therefore fully arranged. Commented he not even in line. Not allowing subject become diverted [Facsimile Page 2] Smathers and Pawley both urged Generalissimo to begin promptly steps toward democratic government by holding free municipal elections. Generalissimo said there would first have be constitutional reforms but he would hold such elections within one year. Smathers asked if he might say this to press on leaving interview and Trujillo gave his assent.
[Typeset Page 489]Pawley interjected that one political fact was Dominican people for most part were for their chief. Outside world did not understand government by parties was not possible here under circumstances because Dominicans desired one party. Generalissimo agreed saying he had invited formation opposition parties but invitation had not been accepted—not only had he done this recently but also at other times in past. De Moya pointed out next national election for President would come in 1962 and that popular surge had already begun for Generalissimo to be candidate latter nodded and remarked he had refrained from saying he would or would not run.
[Facsimile Page 3]Pawley then brought up subject of recent wave arrests here and called attention to strong effect this having in other countries against Dominican Republic particularly in press. He suggested that those apprehended for plotting against GODR had proved be misguided youths and they should not be treated as hardened criminals. United States and many other countries would not understand their being treated as such. Generalissimo remarked those held were being tried according to Dominican judicial system. He stated that they would have right of appeal and that until action in legal channels had been completed he would not feel free to intervene. Pawley interposed he knew Dominican juridical system to be excellent and to be much like our own except there was no jury trial. Senator Smathers said he knew nothing about judicial process here but if this so he was making proposal that in order convince outside world justice being done in Dominican courts some distinguished jurist such as District Attorney Envin of Florida be asked come to Dominican Republic to witness trials. Generalissimo said he would welcome such jurist in Dominican Republic for this purpose. Pawley at first opposed this suggestion on ground no other government would permit such thing but withdrew in face reply by Smathers that other governments had better press than GODR and part of problem was to convince press GODR was dealing justly. Generalissimo then told stories about two past Dominican Presidents who had been killed by persons whom they had trusted and favored. With this in mind he confessed he was motivated by desire not to be killed.
Following interview Generalissimo ushered all present to Chapel on Palace grounds and with usual skill at such operations managed have pictures taken being godfather to dozens of babies while accompanied by Smathers and United States Charge d’ Affaires.
[Facsimile Page 4]Considering that obvious purpose was to publish pictures showing Trujillo, United States and Catholic Church as happy triumvirate and considering this scene somewhat less than accurate as Department will appreciate from Embassy’s previous reporting this is one I preferred to duck but there was no escape.
[Typeset Page 490]My understanding is Pawley, Smathers and De Moya expect be in Washington toward end of week and Pawley plans call on President with Smathers to urge revised policy toward Trujillo. Their basic position is Generalissimo is bad actor in many ways but is with us against our Communist enemies and so should be guided and supported by United States rather than snubbed.
Smathers called impromptu press conference following talk with Generalissimo, reporting material covered this message. In attendance were representatives United States and French press services, New York Times, U.S. News and World Report, London Examiner, Miami Herald, and local press.