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

HA–5. Telegram from the Ambassador in Haiti (Drew) to the Department of State¹

Port-au-Prince, July 30, 1958, 2 p.m.

44. President Duvalier for third time in course of day sent for me 1900 July 29.² At palace in presence acting Foreign Minister Thebaud and Minister Interior Duvigneaud he produced large volume miscellaneous identification papers and photos allegedly removed from corps of subjects thereof apparently establishing that four of seven members of rebel expedition were residents Miami and presumably U.S. citizens. At least two held deputy sheriff badges or commissions from Florida authorities. This in apparent conflict with information made available to Embassy representatives earlier in day who were invited view cadavers two participants said to be American citizens with explanation other two foreigners were Dominicans. However this conflict understandable view excitement and general confusion. Furthermore there are widely divergent accounts of events of day including version raiders were denounced in advance to GOH by army officers thought to be defectors and were shot on landing and bodies brought to Port au Prince where fighting at Casernes led by several army officers members of conspiracy.

President agreed permit our Consular representatives examine and photograph papers to establish identify of alleged Americans. Results will be forwarded Department promptly.

President further claimed papers, photographs, weapons et cetera found on auxiliary sail boat abandoned at Deluge south of St. Marc established its U.S. identify. However Haitian authorities unable identify boat either by name or number although claiming it flew American flag.

In tone of exceptional gravity President reminded me of my previous offer to be of assistance which he had declined for time being by saying “I now formally request immediate expulsion Magloire³ and Dejoie from U.S. territory on grounds they have organized and launched armed expedition against my government with participation U.S. citizens”. He stressed his desire keep whole matter confidential in Haiti to avoid disturbing friendly relations between two governments but said he would expect favorable action on his request within 48 hours. I agreed forward his request to Department promptly.

I endeavored explain that commission as deputy sheriff in many jurisdictions in U.S. was honorific title frequently bestowed for personal or political reasons and disclaimed it implied official knowledge of or support for expedition. When Thebaud said boat could only have sailed with connivance federal officials I entered strong denial indicating that boat could well have sailed clandestinely or from some point outside U.S. territory.

I expressed regret that persons appearing to be American citizens had participated in hostile act against government. While President gave repeated assurances desire avoid any deterioration friendly relations there are already indications subordinate officials may be disposed capitalize on situation to place us on defensive.

At end session in his office President Duvalier took me to room on lower floor in palace containing large stock rifles, shotguns, M-1’s and ammunition together with miscellaneous personal effects allegedly removed from boat as well as large number snapshots of alleged American participants found on boat.

While not yet prepared comment on legal chain evidence linking Magloire with launching armed expedition there is no doubt my mind he is one of several or possibly sole instigator and financial backer of coup. All three Haitian ex-officers identified as his close supporters and partisans. The President’s claim Dejoie connected therewith apparently based on assertion that Dejoie’s photographs found in boat.

However if legally or administratively possible I believe if only on grounds of comity we should respond affirmatively and promptly Duvalier request for expulsion Magloire. Re Dejoie I prefer wait for further evidence. Obviously participation alleged U.S. citizens places us in extremely vulnerable position and regardless well known deficiencies Duvalier regime I recommend at earliest possible moment we make public disavowal participation American citizens and appropriate expressions regret. Incidentally I do not exclude possibility GOH may seize on this to endeavor to extract economic and political advantages from us possibly including diplomatic claim for damages.

While Duvalier emphasized his desire avoid disturbing friendly political relations between two governments delay in facing up to situation can only weaken our position.⁴

Drew

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 738.00/7–3058. Confidential; Niact; Limit Distribution. During the night of July 28–29, a small band of insurgents landed on the Haitian coast and seized an army barracks in Port-au-Prince. In the course of retaking the barracks on July 29, Haitian government forces killed all of the insurgents. Additional documentation this incident is in file 738.00.
2. Drew forwarded a more detailed account of this conversation to the Department of State in despatch 49 from Port-au-Prince, July 30, 1958; 730.00/7–3058. A report on a previous conversation between Drew and Duvalier on July 29 is in telegram 42 from Port-au-Prince, July 29. (738.00/7–2958)
3. Paul E. Magloire, President of Haiti from December 6, 1950, until December 12, 1956.
4. On July 31, the Department of State issued press release 439 which indicated that Ambassador Drew had been instructed to inform the Haitian Government that the United States deplored and regretted the reported involvement of American citizens in the revolutionary attempt of July 29 against the legally constituted Government of President Duvalier. The release also noted that Drew had requested Haiti to furnish all available evidence to facilitate the inquiries of U.S. Government agencies into whether there had been any violation of United States laws. For the text of the release, see the Department of State Bulletin, August 18, 1958, p. 282.