33. Transcript of Teleconference Between the Department of State and the Embassy in the Dominican Republic1

Present: Under Secy Ball, Deputy Under Secy Mann, Assʼt Secy Vaughn, Deputy Assʼt Secy Sayre, Mr. Kennedy Crockett, Executive Secy Ben Read

Subject: Dominican Situation

[Page 78]

SecState Item 1 28/2242Z

We have authorized task force 44.9 to land Marines in necessary strength to establish secure point or points for evacuation U.S. nationals and other foreigners. Task force will execute on Ambassadorʼs orders.

Secure point or points will be maintained for duration of emergency situation.

We intend issue statement here explaining:

(1)
This action taken as result of notification given US by Dominican authorities that they are unable to safeguard American lives.
(2)
We continue to deplore situation in Dom-Rep and call on both sides to cease fire.
(3)
We hope it will be possible for them to sit down and reconcile differences.

Provide current sitrep. End Item 1.

[SDOM] Telecon Note 1

Marines have landed and in good time since evacuation area already under fire from irregular forces.

Item 2 28/2300Z

First draft of announcement to be made here follows:

“The United States Government has been informed by military authorities in the Dominican Republic that American lives are in danger, that the authorities are unable to guarantee their safety and that the assistance of United States military personnel is needed for that purpose.

Accordingly, I have issued instructions to the Secretary of Defense to take necessary steps to proceed immediately with the evacuation of the several hundred Americans still in the Dominican Republic. Our assistance will also be available to nationals of other countries residing in the Dominican Republic some of whom have already requested assistance.

I am sure that the Dominican people in this hour of their tribulation will understand that we continue to hope and to work for a cessation of hostilities, the restoration of law and order and the speedy return to the normal processes of government.” End Item 2.

SDOM Item 2

Have established direct comm[unication] from Emb and are communicating without difficulty. End Item 2.

SecState Item 3 28/2305Z

Are you in touch with task force commander. Your answer this query should preceed all others. End Item 3.

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SDOM Item 3

Current SitRep

Present situation is that second increment 300 Marines now landing at Embajador Hotel to protect Americans who are under fire there and who have asked for authority to shoot to defend themselves, which we have given them. Apparently platoon earlier sent there was not adequate to cover both heliport at polo field and hotel. We hope that with additional reinforcements this will be possible.

One platoon Marines came by car from Embajador to guard Embassy Chancery and are now in position along with some 38 policemen. They claim they can defend perimeter against small arms attack, but will have difficulty containing situation if rebels bring in mortars, artillery, or tanks, all of which they have at their disposal. End Item 3.

SecState Item 4 28/2307Z

How many U.S. citizens are still in Santo Domingo—official and private?

Are there concentrations at locations other than the Hotel Embajador?

Do you wish to evacuate official dependents? End Item 4.

SDOM Item 4 (ref)

Approx 1000 all of which do not desire to leave. Many permanent residents reluctant.

No other concentrations than at Hotel Embajador.

Some people are in Emb Chancery and will give refuge in residence tonight to extent possible.

In event additional Marine platoon now supplementing Emb security guard is able to cover residence on same property as well.

Evacuation route through Haina no longer being used.

Many official dependents have already departed.

I have told Dean of Diplomatic Corps that we would offer protection to any members corps who might wish go to Embajador.

Colombian Amb. has asked whether we can supply Marines for protection other embassies. But I am telling him we do not have enough Marines for that purpose.

  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 23–9 DOM REP. Secret.