116. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Dominican Republic1
165. For Bunker, Bennett and Palmer. Assuming provisional government is installed with agreement of Joaquin Balaguerʼs what is your estimate of action that would have to be taken, if any, to restore order in rebel zone? If action is required could this be done entirely by administrative measures of provisional government, that is stopping food deliveries, cutting off utilities, permitting egress but no ingress and waiting out those who resist? Or would there be only pockets of resistance which would rule out general measures such as cutting off utilities?
If some pacification is required should this be done by (1) IAPF, (2) regular Dominican military or (3) a combined operation?
Assuming provisional government is restored without Caamañoʼs approval what is your estimate?
What is your estimate if provisional government installed without Imbert approval?
Request your combined judgment on military strength of both sides. Both Imbert and Joaquin Balaguerʼs suggested in United Nations that IAPF be withdrawn. What would be the effect of such action? In your estimate we desire particular attention be given to report received here in Washington that 14th of June and other extremist elements have had considerable success in penetrating enlisted and junior officer ranks in regular armed forces. Also desire your comments on what we understand to be Brazilian view that forces in Joaquin Balaguerʼs area have shown greater strength and discipline over last few weeks and that their position continues to improve.
Request foregoing by 9:00 AM August 2.2
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 15 DOM REP. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted and approved by Sayre and cleared by Colonel Greenleaf (DOD).↩
- See Document 117.↩