328. Telegram 481 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State1

481. Subject: Reported Guerrilla Invasion Stirs DR.

1. Santo Domingo radio stations began early this morning (Feb 5) broadcasting reports of a guerrilla invasion force of from eight to eleven men allegedly led by Francisco Caamano Deno which, according to media, landed early morning of Feb. 4 in a motorized vessel at Caracolitos Beach on Ocoa Bay approximately 50 air miles west of Santo Domingo. Reports further indicated that the invasion force, dressed in green uniforms, purchased several burros and moved into the mountainous area surrounding San Jose de Ocoa, a relatively inaccessible region known for its hostility toward the government and with a history of harboring leftist guerrillas.

2. The GODR reacted quickly to the above reports, declaring a state of alert and sending what the media described as “hundreds of soldiers” into the area. Palace Press Secretary Herrera officially announced this morning the landing of “no more than 10 men,” that the country was calm, and that the armed forces had the situation under “absolute control.” PRD President Juan Bosch and PRD Secretary General Jose Francisco Pena Gomez both reportedly placed under house arrest although neither was at home when their residences were searched by units of the National Police. One radio announcement, purportedly an official PRD communiqué, indicated that both Bosch and Pena were “safe and sound” and urged all PRD members to remain in their homes until they received further instructions. Army units have also report[Page 879]edly surrounded the home of Luis Amiama Tio, preventing visitors from entering or departing.

3. Meanwhile, classes at the Santo Domingo Autonomous University (UASD) were temporarily suspended by university officials while the campus was surrounded this morning by the police. No incidents of any serious nature have yet been reported.

4. Later reports indicate that transmissions of Radio Commercial and Radio Vision both belonging to Jose Brea Pena, Secretary of Industry and Commerce and a personal friend of Juan Bosch, were suspended on order by the GODR until further notice. No reasons were given for the action. Several other major radio stations, such as Radio Cristal, also went off the air this morning.

5. Comment: Prompt and vigorous GODR reaction to early reports of invasion force seems to indicate that the government is taking the invasion reports very seriously. Government moves against Bosch, Pena Gomez, and Amiama Tio, for example, may be government attempt to forestall the possibility that any of the opposition might take advantage of the present situation for their own political ends. Similarly, the suspension of transmission of a number of the capital’s radio stations seems to be a GODR move to place a lid on broadcasts which might increase tensions or inflame public opinion. In this connection, 1:30 pm news broadcasts in the capital carried only limited coverage on the “invasion” or related developments.

6. As of 3:30 pm LT, although tensions in the city were running high, no significant disturbances have been reported and the government seems to be in firm control of the situation. It is still not clear whether armed invaders did indeed put ashore from the vessel in Ocoa Bay, and if so, how many there were, or their present whereabouts. Embassy is checking all sources and will report further.

Meloy
  1. Summary: The Embassy reported on the Dominican Government’s reaction to news that a small group of leftist guerrillas had landed in the country.

    Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, POL 23–9 DOM REP. Confidential; Immediate. Repeated to Port-au-Prince, Kingston, and CINCSO. In telegram 488 from Santo Domingo, February 6, the Embassy reported on repressive measures taken by the government against its domestic opposition, noting that one-third of the capital’s radio stations had been shut down. (Ibid.) In telegram 584 from Santo Domingo, February 9, the Embassy reported that scores of opposition party leaders had been detained and that the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo remained cordoned off. (Ibid.) In telegram 747 from Santo Domingo, February 20, the Embassy noted the population had reacted with apathy to news of the killing of alleged leader of the guerrilla band, Francisco Caamano Deno, in a firefight with the armed forces. (Ibid.) In telegram 797 from Santo Domingo, February 22, the Embassy reported that tranquility was slowly returning to the country. (Ibid.)