DR–13. Telegram from the Chargé in the Dominican Republic (Dearborn) to the Department of State1
435. Reference Embassy 431.2
Following are Embassy comments on information reference telegram.
Senator’s approach to Generalissimo urging transition to moderate government was extremely well done. It is obvious that to say such things to Trujillo who has little practice in hearing suggestions of this nature took skill and finesse.
Embassy is not optimistic that Trujillo will satisfactorily fulfill any of promises made. He may hold municipal elections but if they are free and democratic Embassy will then admit to being wrong in its prognostication. He may allow jurist to come here to witness trials but Embassy confident he will not see trial such as that February 13 according to eyewitness accused had been subjected to harsh treatment between time of arrest and date of trial and where defense lawyer played microscopic role.
Trujillo’s remark to Senator, in Embassy’s view showed either complete self-hypnosis or unadulterated cynicism. His remarks about [Typeset Page 491] line of succession and indication he was not even in line avoided main point Senator was making—namely Trujillo alone has run GODR for 30 years and it was time arrange for democratic succession. Trujillo’s straight-faced reference to his invitation to opposition to form political parties must have been based on assumption Senator entirely ignorant of history Trujillo regime. Trujillo has cut down his opposition ruthlessly throughout his regime and this largely explains why thousands of Dominicans live in exile and why thousands to Embassy’s certain knowledge have applied (without success) for passports to leave. DR. Embassy does not in least agree with Pawley’s observation that not possible to form opposition [Facsimile Page 2] party here because everyone wants Generalissimo. Fear of economic and physical reprisals alone prevent formation of opposition parties especially among business and professional classes and Embassy knows this from those who would form such parties. Entirely possible if all heads in DR voted today peasant vote would still return Generalissimo to office. However, this by no means certain if free opposition political campaigns were allowed, including use of press, radio and television.
Trujillo’s indication of fairness of Dominican juridical system can only be justified by technical explanation. This system may be magnificent on the books. Operationally when measured against judicial practices in civilized western nations it is an outrage abounding in trumped-up charges, arbitrary arrests, search without warrant, and inhumane treatment of prisoners.
Embassy believes policy question posed in penultimate paragraph Embassy telegram 431 comes down to decision whether we need Trujillo’s help against international Communism sufficiently to support regime characterized by such unsavory practices. In Embassy view it will not be possible guide Trujillo to abandon the practices. Example is that even day after Smathers visit he gave press conference stating pastoral letter of Catholic Church was brought about as reprisal of Church against GODR for allowing freedom for Protestant groups to operate in DR. This is so ridiculous one can only marvel at Trujillo’s courage in making the charge. Already evident from this insofor as Smathers approach was invitation toward enlightened government practices, Generalissimmo has not yet been converted.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 739.00/2–1160. Confidential.↩
- See Document DR–12.↩