333. Telegram 5194 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State1
5194. Subject: The President and the Future Political Situation. Ref: A. SD 5184, B. SD 5193.
1. During the conversation with President Balaguer reported reftel, the discussion turned to the questions of “perpetual” succession (“continuismo”), national reconciliation of opposing forces, and further social reform.
2. I described briefly to the President my round of talks with leaders of all legitimate political parties and said frankly that with a few exceptions I had found them to be a mediocre lot. They had impressed me as small-time political hacks, very few of them of any stature at all. On the other hand, I had met a number of men of quality in business and professional life who were not Balaguer supporters and I was perplexed as to how these elements could express themselves politically, since they could have little confidence in the calibre of opposition leadership. I was also impressed by the depth of passion that per[Page 886]meated the Dominican body politic and saw little evidence of effort on the part of Dominicans, whose history for more than a century was replete with political tragedy, to avoid a repetition of the past by constructing broad-based moderate parties among which power could change peaceably. I also noted that although the opposition had latched onto the theme of “continuismo” as a rallying point, I had also encountered many moderate Dominicans who were sincerely uneasy over the prospect of Balaguer perpetuating himself in power until he died in office or was otherwise removed. Finally, I observed that many Dominicans I had met believed more social/economic reform such as the agrarian reform was needed.
3. The President warmed to the subject and said he would speak frankly as a friend and in confidence (during this portion of the conversation, it became unmistakably clear that Balaguer has decided to run again, despite his earlier careful statement that he was undecided). He said that he was of course aware of the criticism embodied in “continuismo” but he thought it exaggerated by the politicians, although he acknowledged that many were also sincere in their disquietude. On the other hand the country needed four more years of political stability, he thought, which would enable it to continue its progress. Accordingly, he had decided to recommend publicly before the May election that the constitution be amended, effective 1978, to provide for a single five-year Presidential term with succession barred (In 1978, Balaguer will be 71). He hoped that in the political realm the next four years could be dedicated to easing political passions and to building two or perhaps three moderate parties (he was impressed by the recent Venezuelan experience) and to the continued education of the military as to their apolitical role. He envisioned bringing men into the government next term who were capable but with little or no political experience so that they could gain such experience and perhaps take over the leadership of existing parties or create new ones. He would choose such men from different political currents. Finally, he believed also that social reform had to be pursued. Tax reform was tough politically but imperative, he concluded.
4. Comment: Although the President made a point of saying that he did not expect the substance of this conversation to go beyond the walls of his office, he knows from his extensive diplomatic experience that I would report the conversation. At the Embassy, only the DCM (and my secretary and communicators, of course) is privy to this sensitive information. I would ask the Dept readership to be especially discreet since my growing relationship with Balaguer is at stake.
5. If all comes about as Balaguer expressed his plans, we are in for an interesting and constructive four-year term. The DomRep being [Page 887] what it is, however, it would be imprudent ever to be sanguine. Merry Christmas.
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Summary: Ambassador Hurwitch reported on a December 21 conversation with Balaguer on the Dominican political situation in which the President indicated that he would run for a third consecutive term in the 1974 elections.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P750034–0732. Secret; Exdis. In telegram 5184 from Santo Domingo, December 22, the Embassy characterized Hurwitch’s meeting with Balaguer as “very cordial” and listed the topics discussed, which included the political situation, agrarian reform, Gulf and Western, and Dominican indebtedness. (Ibid., [no film number]) In telegrams 5186 through 5193, December 22, Santo Domingo reported Balaguer’s views on the subjects discussed during the meeting. (All ibid.)
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