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

342. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Dominican Republic¹

Washington, April 4, 1962, 8:32 p.m.

1332. Deptel 1331.² In conversations with President, Councillors, leaders moderate parties and possibly military leaders, you should draw on following as appropriate:

(a) As its actions have demonstrated, USG supports and intends continue support present GODR as representing best hope for further progress toward viable free society. FYI. This of course does not imply we committed present composition Council. End FYI.

(b) USG would view with grave concern replacement present Government by elements of, or allied with, far left or far right.

(c) In event overthrow Council from any direction, USG would be obliged reexamine its entire policy toward DR.

(d) In view current uneasy situation created in part by ill-considered and demagogic actions by moderate elements which have only given opportunities for exploitation by extremists, it appears essential these elements, in their own interest and in interest country in general, should assume more responsible attitude.

(e) Instead of exacerbating situation, UCN as principal democratic party has special obligation to follow realistic and moderate course.

(f) While opposition to Government natural and desirable in democratic society, such opposition should be responsible, reasoned and constructive. In present circumstances, neither country nor moderate parties can afford luxury of indiscriminate, destructive attacks against Council nor can Council afford actions of its own which justify such attacks.

(g) In view common interests Council and moderate parties and threat to both from extremes, basic orientation of both should be to seek accommodation of differences rather than magnify them.

(h) Release of energies now expended by Council members in political maneuvering and in defense against attacks from those who should be its friends would permit Council to settle down to task governing country and enable it confront its and country’s real enemies.

(i) Violent attacks against armed forces can only increase current tension and impede progress toward acceptance by them of their legitimate role in a free society.

Guidance for speech will follow.³

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 739.00/4-462. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Crimmins and approved by Martin.
2. Dated April 4. (Ibid.)
3. Printed from an unsigned copy.