Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Volume V, Microfiche Supplement, American Republics

DR–16. Memorandum from Edwin N. Clark to President Eisenhower¹

New York, March 21, 1960

Re: TRUJILLO

A. PROBLEM:

Increasing opposition both from within and without may lead to a collapse of the Trujillo regime in the Dominican Republic. Such a downfall, with bloody, chaotic conditions would bring further trouble for the United States in its relations in Latin America, and might be a prelude to the establishment of another Communist regime.

B. OBJECTIVES:

To induce Trujillo forthwith to take the necessary steps to insure a transition to constitutional government, with the effective prevention of any possibility of the establishment of a Communistic, Castro-like regime. This transition would be accomplished through the good offices of the United States, if possible utilizing the Organization of the American States.

C. BACKGROUND:

1. The dictatorship of Generalissimo Raphael Trujillo has been in power in the Dominican Republic since 1930. During these years, although high standards of living have been created within the republic, Trujillo has amassed a large fortune for the Trujillo family. Most of this fortune is invested within the Dominican Republic, although substantial sums are believed to be held by members of the family outside the Dominican Republic.

The climate for dictators has materially worsened in recent years. Trujillo knows his days of power are numbered. Further, he knows that no member of his family has the ability to continue the dictatorship. Trujillo desires to retire but, like all dictators, is in a quandary as to how to do it.

3. Trujillo is a man of great pride and of great love of his country, his people and his family. Trujillo desires when he passes from the scene to insure the continuance for his people of their high standards and to assure for himself in history the role of “El Benefactor.” On the other hand, with his love of his family, he seems to be equally determined to provide for the future welfare and safety of his family and of the members of his government. It is highly doubtful that he will voluntarily surrender power unless he can achieve both these goals.

4. Although Trujillo has promised to hold free municipal and national elections within one year and two years, respectively, there is a strong possibility that he may be overthrown before elections can be held unless he takes positive actions to convince the opposition that he sincerely intends to permit the establishment of constitutional, democratic government.

5. If Trujillo should abdicate or be overthrown unexpectedly, there is a strong possibility that bloody, chaotic conditions would prevail for an indefinite period unless steps are taken now for the prevention thereof. Possibly a radical, anti-United States, pro-Castro government would be established to replace Trujillo. Such a regime probably would kill or imprison the Trujillo family and friends, confiscate and nationalize all of Trujillo’s extensive commercial Dominican enterprises as well as foreign-owned Dominican business enterprises, without compensation. Nationalization of the economy would seriously jeopardize any United States efforts to encourage free enterprise concepts, and Communistic practices might be firmly established.

6. In order to forestall bloodshed, chaotic conditions and the possible establishment of a Communistic government in the Dominican Republic, it would be extremely desirable, if possible, to induce Trujillo to retire, to establish a provisional government in such a manner as would insure an orderly transition to a democratic form of government and, finally, to provide for elections within a reasonable period after his retirement.

D. CONCLUSIONS:

1. I believe there is a possibility that I may be able to induce Trujillo to retire in a manner which would be beneficial to the United States. Trujillo knows better than anyone the foregoing facts. He has already indicated that he desires to retire if a way can be found to accomplish it. I believe a simple but rather ingenious way could be found to accomplish this result by the creation of a philanthropic foundation to which Trujillo and his family would transfer the assets of himself and his family within the Dominican Republic, which holdings would be administered for the benefit of the Dominican people.

It is highly probable that any new regime in the Dominican Republic would confiscate the Trujillo family’s local assets and would attempt to seize any other assets outside the Dominican Republic as they were able to obtain. Therefore, in the plan for retirement and the transition to a constitutional form of government, most of the factors which would provoke bloodshed and chaos could be removed if Trujillo voluntarily turned over to a foundation to be used for the good of the Dominican people the bulk of his fortune and if at the same time peaceful conditions within the Dominican Republic were safeguarded by the good offices of the United States and the Organization of the American States.

2. The foundation hereinabove referred to should be administered by internationally known United States and Latin American citizens for the benefit of the Dominican people. Tentatively, the following names have been suggested for trustees:

Ex-Presidents Hoover and Truman of the United States;²

Ex-President Eduardo Santos of Colombia;

Ex-President Galo Plaza of Ecuador;

President Kubitschek of Brazil (whose term expires this year);

Pedro Aramburu, former Provisional President of Argentina;

Ex-President Ruiz Cortines of Mexico; possibly Raphael Trujillo himself.

3. The Trujillo family and their friends might be given asylum in the United States during the establishment of this plan and until it became evident that their return to the Dominican Republic would not be an act provocative of bloodshed. When the plan was once established and a peaceful transition to constitutional government was assured, members of the Trujillo family might then return to the Dominican Republic. However, it might well be that they would prefer to seek permanent homes elsewhere.

4. Naturally, all of the foregoing steps would have to be taken in the utmost secrecy. Further, to be successful, the good offices of the United States would have to be utilized. In all probability the forum at which this plan would be announced would be the Organization of the American States so that its good offices also could be utilized in guaranteeing an orderly transition.

E. ACTION:

1. I intend to discuss the foregoing with Generalissimo Trujillo in an endeavor to bring about his retirement in a manner which would insure a peaceful transition to democratic government. Naturally, I would refrain from such action if you did not desire it.

2. The foregoing plans and the implementation thereof are of importance to the United States. Therefore, I greatly desire to discuss these plans with the appropriate officials of your government, primarily Allen Dulles, prior to my departure for the Dominican Republic.

Respectfully submitted,

Edwin N. Clark

1. Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Dulles-Herter Series. This memorandum was transmitted to Eisenhower under cover of two letters, both dated March 21, 1960, the first addressed formally to “Dear Mr. President,” the second a longer letter addressed to “Dear Ike.” In the second letter, Clark stated in part, “You probably remember the various steps which I took in 1955 to receive favors from Generalissimo Trujillo for the United States. Consequently, Generalissimo Trujillo knows that I have the privilege of personal friendship with you. Due to my unique position, I believe that I may, as a private citizen, be able to work out a solution with Generalissimo Trujillo which would redound to the great interests of the United States as well as to the people of the Dominican Republic. If I fail, no harm done, Hence my memorandum to you.” (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Dulles-Herter Series) The reference to Clark’s private services in 1955 is unclear.
   The President forwarded Clark’s memorandum to Herter under cover of a letter dated March 21, 1960 which stated in part, “Please let me know what you think about the matter. I suppose that Rubottom ought to be the one to study this, but I would like to keep it as confidential as possible.” (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Dulles-Herter Series). A handwritten notation on the source text indicated that it was shown to Rubottom on March 22, 1960.
2. The phrase, “President Eisenhower after 1961,”was lined out by the President at this point in the source text.