File No. 839.011/5.
Minister Sullivan to
the Secretary of State.
No. 43.]
American Legation
Santo Domingo,
January 12, 1914.
Sir: I have the honor to herewith enclose a
copy and translation of a letter from the Minister for Foreign Affairs
in which the Dominican Government pledges itself to abandon its old
vicious system of imprisoning people without submitting same prisoners
to any tribunal. The Legation has earnestly labored to secure this
reform, the meaning of which need not be dwelt upon. In this connection
I desire to inform the Department that the Constitutional Convention
will be urged to incorporate in the organic law of its country the right
of habeas corpus.
I have [etc.]
[Inclosure—Translation.]
The Minister for Foreign
Affairs to Minister Sullivan.
Foreign Office,
Santo Domingo,
January 12, 1914.
In addition to what I told your excellency in our recent interview, I
am pleased to inform your excellency that the political prisoners to
which we referred
[Page 197]
have all
been placed under the jurisdiction of the tribunals of justice to
the end that their respective cases may be decided in accordance
with the penal laws of the Republic.
This Government wishes to fix a new precedent in the history of the
country, at the same time giving a proof of the respect which the
independence of the judicial power merits.
I take [etc.]
