Foreign Relations, 1977–1980, Volume XXIII, Mexico, Cuba, and the Caribbean

226. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Dominican Republic¹

Washington, May 17, 1978, 1507Z

125224. For the Ambassador from the Secretary. Subject: Dominican Elections.

Please convey the following urgent personal message to President Balaguer from Secretary Vance:²

1. Reports reaching US indicate that the electoral process may have been interrupted by intervention from the military.³ I want to emphasize that if the elections were not permitted to proceed freely and honestly, there would inevitably be an adverse effect on the close and cooperative relations between our two countries.

2. I have been trying to reach you on the telephone this morning and have been unable to get through. It is urgent that I speak with you about this matter which is of the utmost importance for our relations.

Vance

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P850004–1734. Secret; Flash; Nodis. Drafted by Oxman; cleared by Tarnoff; approved by Vance.
2. In telegram 2645 from Santo Domingo, May 18, the Embassy reported that Yost delivered Vance’s message that morning. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780208–0877)
3. In telegram 2630 from Santo Domingo, May 17, the Embassy reported that members of the armed forces, led by Nivar, stopped the vote count during the morning of May 17, after Guzman’s returns in the cities were higher than expected. Guzman was leading Balaguer 2–1 at the time. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780208–0614)