155. Memorandum From the Deputy Director for Coordination of the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (Koren) to the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Vaughn)1
Washington, January 6, 1966.
SUBJECT
- Minutes of the 303 Committee Meeting January 6, 1966
The minutes of the meeting of the 303 Committee held on January 6, 1966 contain the following items:
“Dominican Republic—Presidential Election
- “a. On the [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] paper requesting a decision on whether the U.S. will covertly back any presidential candidate2 (with an ensuing plea to get cracking since the target date was 1 June), Mr. Broe said that past experience indicated covert political action in any country should have a minimum of six months advance work to ensure a sound operation. It was noted at the meeting that a series of urgent messages currently arriving indicated the possibility that the situation in the Dominican Republic was deteriorating so rapidly that the paper under study might be rendered academic.
- “b. It was also apparent that the only visible candidate to support is Balaguer, [1½ lines of source text not declassified]. Ambassador Johnson [Page 366] made the point that Balaguer was coming up in popularity through his own momentum. Mr. Broe indicated that there were a number of built-in obstacles in Balaguerʼs way. It was decided [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] to outline a plan immediately with those aspects needing the longest lead time so that they could be approved at the next meeting. Ambassador Johnson was anxious to see the plan so that he could discuss the matter with Ellsworth Bunker.
- “c. [5½ lines of source text not declassified]”
[Omitted here is discussion unrelated to the Dominican Republic.]
- Source: Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Dominican Republic, 1966. Secret; Eyes Only. Drafted on January 7.↩
- Document 152.↩