HA–24. Editorial Note
The memorandum of discussion of the 452nd meeting of the National Security Council on July 21, includes the following exchange regarding the situation in Haiti which occurred during Director of Central Intelligence Dulles’ briefing on significant developments affecting United States security:
“[Director Dulles reported that] Haiti was characterized as usual by a chaotic situation. The Duvalier regime was drifting Leftward. Duvalier was not well and had delegated much authority to a clique of Leftists. [text not declassified] The government has been attacking the U.S. and was pro-Castro. The use of U.S. aid for political patronage purposes had crippled the effectiveness of the aid program. [text not declassified] The army was the most important cohesive force in Haiti and was pro-U.S. It would probably be reluctant, however, to act against the government. Secretary Herter agreed that the army probably offered the best bet in Haiti. He stated that the U.S. was not enthusiastic about a proposal that Haiti contribute army units for the Congo because the U.S. prefers to have the Haitian army in Haiti.” (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records)