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  3. Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–11, Part 1, Documents on Mexico; Central America; and the Caribbean, 1973–1976
  4. Document 345

345. Memorandum From the Executive Secretary of the Department of State (Springsteen) to the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft)1

Washington, October 9, 1974.

SUBJECT

  • Release of Kidnapped Public Affairs Officer Barbara Hutchison in the Dominican Republic

The siege of the Venezuelan consulate in Santo Domingo, where terrorists held seven hostages including American Public Affairs Officer Barbara Hutchison, ended today when the kidnappers released their captives in exchange for safe conduct to Panama. The successful termination of the kidnapping was due in large part to the deft handling of the situation by Dominican President Joaquin Balaguer, who correctly assessed the psychology of the terrorists. He refused to accept their demands, waited them out, and wore down their resolve. Then, at the key moment, he offered them a way out of the situation by which they could preserve their lives, which they quickly accepted.

Attached for White House approval, is a telegram to the American Embassy in Santo Domingo with a proposed message for President Balaguer.

George S. Springsteen

  1. Summary: The Department informed Scowcroft that Hutchison and other foreigners being held by gunmen at the Venezuelan consulate in the Dominican Republic had been released after a lengthy standoff in exchange for safe passage to Panama for the kidnappers.

    Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P740122–0904. No classification marking. Drafted by Strasser, cleared by Shlaudeman, Burke, and Hoffacker in S/CCT. A note on the memorandum reads: “Revised text recv’d per Davis memo 10/10/74 and cleared by Mr. Low.” Attached is a draft of a message to be sent by Ford to Balaguer, not published. In telegram 224451 to Santo Domingo, October 11, the Department transmitted the version of the message that was conveyed to Balaguer. (Ibid., D740289–0317) In telegram 4276 from Santo Domingo, October 14, Hurwitch reported on his delivery of the message, noting that Balaguer had “launched into a highly complimentary (embarrassingly so) and emotional (for him) expression of satisfaction and appreciation for my assistance throughout the ordeal.” Hurwitch reported that “the terrorists achieved nothing but opprobrium for the deed and the saving of their own skins” and that at the conclusion of the episode U.S. relations with the government, especially with Balaguer, were better than ever. (Ibid., D740292–0233)

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