336. Editorial Note
On December 17, 1961, following U.S.-brokered negotiations between the Government and the Dominican opposition parties, President Balaguer announced that a 7-man Council of State would take power in the Dominican Republic January 1, 1962, pending OAS-sponsored elections for both the legislature (August 16) and the Presidency (December 20). The Council took office with Balaguer as its President. The other members were Rafael Bonelly, Eduardo Read Barrera, Antonio Imbert Barrera, Nicolas Pichardo, Luis Amiama Tio, and Elisco Perez Sanchez. On January 4 the Council of the OAS voted to lift the sanctions imposed on the Dominican Republic on August 20, 1960. On January 6 the United States reestablished full diplomatic relations with the Dominican Republic. John C. Hill remained as Charge d’Affaires ad interim.
[Page 693]On January 16 Balaguer resigned as President of the Council following street demonstations in the capital by those opposed to his continued participation in the Dominican Government. Later the same day General Pedro Rafael Rodríguez Echavarría ousted the Council of State and established a military civilian junta. (Department of State, Central Files, 739.00/1-1662 through 739.00/1-1962)