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

HA–12. Telegram from the Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Haiti¹

Washington, March 3, 1959, 8:58 p.m.

335. Embtel 321.²

Department appreciates analysis in reftel and requests country team follow up analysis with recommendations for action which might be appropriate in circumstances, keeping in mind U.S. policy objectives in Haiti of fostering economic growth and financial equilibrium within framework political stability and responsible government. Pursuant recent recommendations from Embassy on specific problems (despatch 338 re USMC mission, Embtels 311, 290 re financial emergency³) Department had acted on premise best hope for stability and progress in Haiti is to work with present constitutional government to solve specific problems. Does country team believe this premise still valid? If not, Department solicits recommendations for change in U.S. approach to problems Haiti.

Meanwhile, Department believe recent constructive U.S. action alleviate financial crisis in Haiti provides good basis for approach to President Duvalier along following lines. (1) We have been closely observing developments and doing all we properly can assist constitutionality stability in Haiti by working out Marine Corps training mission, emergency financial aid, increased technical cooperation program, surplus food program, [illegible in the original] vessel visits and taken other steps to aid GOH in alleviating distress of Haitian people. In doing so, we have tried avoid involvement in internal Haitian political affairs and with that in mind came to understanding with President Duvalier in September 1958 to guard against military training assistance being misinterpreted as political interference. The President should be reminded of his understanding at that time to take steps to allay political tensions and of our having reserved right to curtail activities or withdraw mission in case of internal political violence. (2) While mindful of outside pressures on his government which we seeking to allay, we are troubled by recent developments which appear run counter to September understanding and give color opposition charges GOH relies on force not popular support and which hinder our efforts in behalf of Haitian stability. As appropriate you should mention such examples as (a) press reports quoting Cuban police authorities that gunmen recently arrested in Cuba say they were hired to kill Dejoie and other Haitian exiles; (b) reports from press and other sources of one alleged Dejoieist killed and another severely beaten in Port-au-Prince recently, and other apparently unwarranted political reprisals, despite January assurances given by President; (c) Department further seriously concerned over statements widely attributed to President Duvalier published in press of Haiti and elsewhere (and not disavowed to date) and with damaging repercussions, that President called on his followers to “chop off heads and burn houses” if revolutionary attack made. This interpreted as invitation to indiscriminate, unrestrained mob violence and has deeply shocked responsible U.S. opinion. (3) We have felt constrained to discuss these matters with President in light September understanding and, in doing so, to point out again that growing adverse reaction in U.S. and elsewhere to such developments creates serious difficulties for U.S. in its efforts assist GOH to overcome pressing financial and economic problems. (4) Ambassador might also refer in course interview to adverse reaction in U.S. and elsewhere to unprecedentedly close rapprochement between Haiti and Trujillo especially view widespread and growing intensity of anti-Trujillo campaign in Caribbean and rest of hemisphere.

Department understands President Duvalier plans major pronouncement at Cap Haitian March 5. (FYI Val Washington⁴ has told Department he plans arrive Haiti March 4 and have frank discussion with President Duvalier on situation). If Ambassador concurs in making approach to President along lines given above, Department believes most desirable this be done prior March 5 in hope President Duvalier might be guided by such views in making whatever pronouncement he has in mind. Department expressed views similar to paragraphs two and three to Ambassador Bonhomme here last week who promised convey to President Duvalier.

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 738.00/3–359. Confidential; Niact. Drafted by Warner; cleared with Wieland and John C. Hill, the Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs; and signed by Rubottom. Robert Donhauser, Special Assistant to the Deputy Under Secretary of State for political Affairs, was informed of the telegram’s content.
2. See Document HA�11.
3. None printed; filed respectively under 738.58/2–1859, 398.13/2–1759 and 838.10/1–2259.
4. Member, Republican National Committee.