Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XII, American Republics

305. Telegram From the Department of State to the Consulate General in the Dominican Republic ¹

Washington, April 28, 1961, 9:05 p.m.

683. If confronted with sudden political instability or violent overthrow of Trujillo regime, ranking US representative in Dominican Republic should until receipt of further instructions be guided by following principles:

(1) US cannot afford and will not permit external imposition on Dominican Republic of pro-Communist or pro-Castro regime as successor to present GODR;

(2) US strongly hopes any succeeding government will be broadly acceptable to people of Dominican Republic, will be oriented toward US, and will promptly commit self to establishment democracy and firm scheduling of free elections.

(3) US influence in Dom Rep should be exercised toward achievement above objectives.

(4) At time of replacement of present GODR or significant change in present control you should on any appropriate occasion convey clear impression that US recognition and/or assistance to Dominican Republic would necessarily be influenced and determined by degree government’s disassociation from unacceptable personnel, policies and practices of Trujillo regime and by clarity its dedication to principles listed item 2 above.

(5) As opportunity presents self under circumstances outlined above you should encourage formulation realistic coalition civilian and military elements capable holding power as provisional government friendly toward and disposed work with US.

(6) Should a provisional government which in your judgment satisfies foregoing criteria request US armed assistance in face of real or anticipated threat from abroad, you should submit such request together with your recommendation soonest, suggest it may wish request assistance other democratic governments such as Venezuela and Colombia and inform OAS.

(7) Please keep Department currently informed.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 739.00/4-2961. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Devine, cleared by Coerr, ARA/CMA, ARA/RPA, ARA/WST, ARA/EST, S/S, L, L/ARA, CIA, DOD/ISA, and CINCLANT, and approved by the Secretary. Repeated to CINCLANT.