839.00/11–1846
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Dominican Republic (Butler)
No. 96
Sir: Reference is made to your despatch no. 199 of November 18, 1946 concerning relations between the United States and the Dominican Republic.
Your interpretation of the general lines of policy set forth in the Embassy’s secret despatch no. 609 of January 3, 1945,19 is accurate. Since you do not recommend any fundamental change in this policy, you should continue to regard the above-mentioned despatch as constituting your terms of reference as stated by the Department’s secret instruction no. 41 of October 31, 1946.19 The Department endorses your views regarding the most effective means of implementing this policy.
The Department has noted with particular interest your suggestion that in the event President Trujillo’s personal displeasure impedes the effective functioning of the Embassy, it might perhaps be advisable to have a Chargé d’Affaires instead of an Ambassador as Chief of Mission. In explanation of this suggestion, you expressed the view that “in small countries such as the Dominican Republic, which suffer from anti-democratic dictatorships, our interests need not suffer under a competent Chargé d’Affaires.”
Should the relationship between the Embassy and President Trujillo develop in such a way that you feel the conduct of Embassy business is being severely hindered, you might consider the formulation of a specific recommendation in the above sense.
Very truly yours,