DR–26. Editorial Note
On August 3, 1960, Héctor Trujillo resigned as President of the Dominican Republic and was succeeded by Vice President Joaquín Balaguer. In telegram 140 from Ciudad Trujillo, August 4, 1960, Chargé Henry Dearborn stated in part, “Clear from Balaguer’s acceptance speech August 3 there has been no change of government and Rafael Trujillo still dominates . . . . Up to this moment no indication any responsible Trujillo opposition member will participate Balaguer administration. No indication anywhere that GODR plans to abolish arbitrary arrests, prison tortures, or reprisals against its political opposition.“(739.11/8–460)
The Foreign Ministers of the American Republic met at San José, Costa Rica August 16–21, 1960 to consider Venezuelan charges of Dominican complicity in the assassination attempt against President Betancourt. On August 20, the foreign ministers approved a resolution condemning the Dominican Republic and called on all members of the OAS to break off diplomatic relation with that nation. The United States severed diplomatic relations with the Dominican Republic on August 26, 1960. For documentation on the Sixth Meeting of Consultation of Foreign Ministers of the American Republics at San José, see Volume V.