Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXXII, Dominican Republic; Cuba; Haiti; Guyana

59. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Posts¹

Washington, May 6, 1965, 8:52 p.m.

2161. Subject: Sitrep—Dominican Republic. Note: Section One—At your discretion you are authorized to use such information as you feel desirable with local officials. Section Two—FYI only.

Begin Section One

OAS Commission got both sides to sign “Act of Santo Domingo.”² Although body of document unchanged, added preamble refers to Caamano group as “Constitutional Government” (quote marks appear in document) and Benoit group as Military Junta of Government. Embassy notes reference to “Constitutional Government” gives Caamano group unwarranted status. Caamano group has sent Cirtel to 36 nations requesting recognition. Request makes false claim rebel group “has complete backing Dominican people” and “control over national territory.” Depcirtel 2144³ gives USG political and legal reasons for nonrecognition of Caamano group.

There is still no effective government in the DR.

Evacuations of foreign nationals are continuing with 250 put aboard ship yesterday.

Despite cease-fire sporadic sniper fire at US forces continues. Rebels have been using small boats in river as sniper positions. US forces returning fire sank one small boat and set fire to freighter.

Food distribution proceeding with new distribution centers opened poor districts Santo Domingo. 82nd Airborne distributed 20 tons rice May 5. 85 tons rice flown to capital from north of country. 1000 tons PL–480 foodstuffs unloaded Haina. Major effort also being made to distribute foodstuffs in areas outside capital.

Four of five member OAS Peace Committee (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala) returned to Washington morning May 6 to report to Meeting of Foreign Ministers (MFM) probably tomorrow. Prior committeeʼs departure group of governors northern provinces called on OAS group to make clear they do not repeat not accept Caamano group as government and to express hope committee would work toward establishment of provisional government made up of respected apolitical leaders.

MFM has approved Inter-American Armed Force for DR.

UN Security Council met May 6 for further debate on Soviet charges. Malaysia recognized that OAS was seized of Dominican question and China supported our position. At urging of Uruguay, Netherlands and Jordan, USSR agreed to postpone until noon, May 7 vote on its resolution calling for condemnation of US and immediate with drawal from DR.

Section Two—FYI only.

Embassy working intensively on problem of forming viable government with broad base of support. Embassy hopes new Junta will be essentially non-political with three civilian “technicians” participating. Formation of such a Junta being delayed due to desire of civilian nominees to take further soundings before committing themselves.

US forces in DR now total 19,000. Unconfirmed reports indicate three Marines were killed, two wounded and two captured this morning.

Although situation outside Santo Domingo remains generally quiet, reports indicate food shortages causing increasing unrest.

VOA broadcasts improving atmosphere and criticism of US is diminishing.

On matter recognition Caamano group, problem is urgent in Chile where there is strong official feeling in groupʼs favor. Ambassadors Dungan, Harriman scheduled see President Frei 1700 hrs today.

In OAS principal difficulties have been with Chile, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay.

Rusk

1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Dominican Republic, Vol. III, Cables 5/65. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Eugene Klebenov (ARA), cleared by Crimmins, and approved by William L.S. Williams (ARA). Sent to all posts except Santo Domingo. Repeated to Hong Kong, USUN, USBER, and CINCEUR, CINCPAC, CINCLANT, and CINCSO for POLADs.
2. See Document 57.
3. Circular telegram 2144, May 6, 2:29 p.m., reported that Colonel Francisco Caamañoʼs claim to the Presidency was invalid. The rebel group he headed controlled only a small portion of territory, wasnʼt capable of functioning as a national government, and based its claim on the Bosch Constitution of 1963, which was superseded by the reinstated constitution of 1962, a constitution put into effect by the governing Junta immediately following the ouster of Bosch in September 1963. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Dominican Republic, Vol. III to 5/7/65, Memos and Miscellaneous)