839.00/3431
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State (White)
The Dominican Minister, Señor Brache, called upon the Acting Secretary of State on Wednesday, April 23. He discussed the political [Page 722] situation in the Dominican Republic. He mentioned that the President has retired from office, although not having resigned, in order to become candidate for Vice President during the next term. Certain other members of the Government have likewise retired in order to run for various offices. He mentioned that the ex-Minister, Señor Morales, is candidate for Vice President on the opposition ticket, and Señor Velasquez, the opposition Presidential candidate. General Trujillo is the Government candidate for President.
Mr. Cotton mentioned in this connection that Mr. Curtis had informed the Department that he had expressed to General Trujillo the view that it would be a pity for a man who was head of the army to be candidate for President. He thought that it would be better for the country to have the army nonpartisan and out of politics, and the Department had agreed with Mr. Curtis and felt as he did.
The Minister stated that he felt it a great pity should there be opposition to General Trujillo, as he is a very able man, a good organizer, very clever, and intelligent and honest. General Trujillo has resigned from the Army and is now in private life and would like to try his capabilities out in some other line than Commander of the Army. The Minister mentioned that General Trujillo is a warm friend of the United States and desires especially to cooperate with the Department. He thought that rather than lose the friendship of the Department he would not be a candidate for President. Brache very earnestly supported General Trujillo and hoped the Department would change its position because while no public statement has been made it has become general knowledge that the Department has advised against his running and this would very seriously handicap General Trujillo in his political campaign.
Mr. Cotton stated that he had nothing to add to what had already been said other than that it was on account of the friendly relations existing between many Americans and General Trujillo that we had felt we could talk very frankly to him and explain to him our views in the matter. Mr. Cotton assured Señor Brache there was nothing personal against General Trujillo in this attitude which was merely one of principle and that there was no hidden motive which had not already been explained to him.
Señor Brache made the personal suggestion that General Trujillo might be candidate for Vice President instead of for President. Mr. Cotton said that he had nothing to add to what had already been said. Señor Brache asked if the Department could not help out by some advice or suggestion as to what should be done in the circumstances and Mr. Cotton stated that this Government could not suggest any particular candidates nor in fact add in any way to what and already been said.