839.00 Revolutions/13: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in the Dominican Republic (Curtis)
9. The Department has not ordered a cruiser sent to Santo Domingo. It has ordered the Navy to place several vessels where they can reach Santo Domingo within a relatively few hours. Certainly until the situation gets such that you anticipate actual danger to American lives or disruption to the customs service or substantial property destruction, we are reluctant to change the existing position.
You will keep the Department fully informed regarding all developments including the attitude and action of the National army and all parties, and particularly the attitude of the combatants, if there be fighting, in regard to foreigners and the existence of animosity toward Americans because of their nationality. The information thus far in the Department’s possession does not indicate that it is likely that such animosity will be evidenced. The Department approves of your using your good offices to establish or maintain peaceful relations and hopes you will be successful in preventing a serious conflict.
Should fighting seem imminent, you might deem it wise to suggest the establishment of a new zone where Americans and other non-combatants would be safe.
Your aim should be, if possible, to handle this situation without show of force. If you can do it, it will materially strengthen our position in the Dominican Republic and in the rest of Latin America.
[Page 702]We realize, however, that what we are asking and hoping may not be possible and it is for that reason that we desire to be kept informed as fully as you are able.