Dominican Republic
328. Telegram 481 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported on the Dominican Government’s reaction to news that a small group of leftist guerrillas had landed in the country.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, POL 23–9 DOM REP. Confidential; Immediate. Repeated to Port-au-Prince, Kingston, and CINCSO. In telegram 488 from Santo Domingo, February 6, the Embassy reported on repressive measures taken by the government against its domestic opposition, noting that one-third of the capital’s radio stations had been shut down. (Ibid.) In telegram 584 from Santo Domingo, February 9, the Embassy reported that scores of opposition party leaders had been detained and that the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo remained cordoned off. (Ibid.) In telegram 747 from Santo Domingo, February 20, the Embassy noted the population had reacted with apathy to news of the killing of alleged leader of the guerrilla band, Francisco Caamano Deno, in a firefight with the armed forces. (Ibid.) In telegram 797 from Santo Domingo, February 22, the Embassy reported that tranquility was slowly returning to the country. (Ibid.)
329. Telegram 34170 From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Dominican Republic
Summary: Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs Charles Meyer suggested to Ambassador Francis Meloy that he encourage President Joaquín Balaguer to lift restrictions against opposition groups in order to enhance the international image of the Dominican Republic.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files, 1970–1973, POL 23–9 DOM REP. Secret; Stadis; Exdis. Drafted by Burke, cleared by Hurwith and Barnes, and approved by Meyer.
330. Letter From the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Crimmins) to Frank J. Devine, Minister-Counselor at the Embassy in Venezuela
Summary: After Devine received an inquiry from the Dominican Ambassador to Venezuela regarding U.S. policy with respect to the upcoming Dominican Presidential elections, Crimmins wrote that the United States had no preferred candidate and would refrain from involvement in the electoral process.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, ARA/CAR/DR Files: Lot 75D392, POL 14 Elections. Confidential. Official-Informal. Drafted and cleared by Burke. A copy was sent to Ambassador Meloy. In an April 16 letter to Crimmins, Devine reported on a conversation in which Dominican Ambassador Rafael Bonilla Aybar alleged that a rumor was circulating in Santo Domingo that the Department was opposed to a Balaguer candidacy for reelection. In the margins of that letter, Crimmins wrote, “I think CAR should do a note to FJD [Devine] saying that we are taking no position, etc., and he can at his discretion pass to B–A [Bonilla Aybar].” (Ibid.)
331. Telegram 4815 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported on the Dominican Government’s concern about the possibility of revisions to legislation under which sugar-producing nations such as the Dominican Republic were assigned quotas that gave them guaranteed access a share of the U.S. sugar market.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Limited Official Use. In telegram 225729 to all American Republic and certain other diplomatic posts, November 15, the Department reported that an interagency review of the possibility of extending or replacing the existing Sugar Act was under way and that while the Department of Agriculture favored a market-oriented system that would eliminate quotas, no official administration position on the issue had been determined. (Ibid.) In telegram 226599 to Santo Domingo, November 16, the Department noted that Dominican Ambassador Salvador Ortiz had met with Department officers on November 15 on instructions from his government to express opposition to changes in sugar policy that were reportedly under consideration. (Ibid.)
332. Telegram 5039 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported on its efforts to encourage the Gulf and Western Americas Corporation to take steps to improve its image in the Dominican Republic, where it was heavily involved in sugar production and in other sectors of the country’s economy.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P750034–0738. Confidential; Exdis. In telegram 5040 from Santo Domingo, December 12, the Embassy reported on a conversation in which Hurwitch urged Gulf and Western Americas president Alvaro Carta to end his company’s political activities in the Dominican Republic, which had included donations to Balaguer’s 1966 and 1970 electoral campaigns and other contributions to the Presidency and the Reformist Party. (Ibid., P840114–1839)
333. Telegram 5194 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: Ambassador Hurwitch reported on a December 21 conversation with Balaguer on the Dominican political situation in which the President indicated that he would run for a third consecutive term in the 1974 elections.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P750034–0732. Secret; Exdis. In telegram 5184 from Santo Domingo, December 22, the Embassy characterized Hurwitch’s meeting with Balaguer as “very cordial” and listed the topics discussed, which included the political situation, agrarian reform, Gulf and Western, and Dominican indebtedness. (Ibid., [no film number]) In telegrams 5186 through 5193, December 22, Santo Domingo reported Balaguer’s views on the subjects discussed during the meeting. (All ibid.)
334. Telegram 600 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: Ambassador Hurwitch reiterated the importance of U.S. sugar policy to the Dominican economy, reporting on a conversation with Balaguer in which the President had urged the continuation of the existing quota system.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Confidential. In telegram 22675 to all American Republic and certain other diplomatic posts, February 4, the Department reported that congressional hearings on sugar legislation were scheduled to begin on February 19 and sought reconfirmation that countries with sugar quotas intended to fulfill their entire commitments to supply the United States with sugar even as free market prices for the product reached record highs. (Ibid., [no film number])
335. Telegram 674 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported on its role in bringing together Dominican and American businessmen at a time when it appeared that the Dominican business community was becoming suspicious of the growing involvement of the Gulf and Western Americas Corporation in the country’s economy.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, [no film number]. Confidential. In telegram 543 from Santo Domingo, February 6, the Embassy noted that the Dominican Republic’s Association of Businessmen had established a commission to consider the appropriate role for foreign investors in the country, adding that the expanding economic activities of Gulf and Western were understood to be among the businessmen’s primary concerns. (Ibid., [no film number])
336. Memorandum Prepared in the Central Intelligence Agency
Summary: The Central Intelligence Agency reviewed the political situation in the Dominican Republic as the 1974 elections approached, concluding that President Balaguer was likely to win a third consecutive term in office.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, Office of Current Intelligence Files, Job 79T00863A, Box 32, Folder 16. Secret; [handling restriction not declassified]. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text that remains classified. The Embassy reported on the election campaign in airgram A–9, January 19, and in telegrams 1338, 1547, and 1682 from Santo Domingo, April 1, 16, and 25. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P740003–2374, D740073–0364, D740087–1002, and D740098–0239)
337. Telegram 2015 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported that the strongest Dominican opposition group, the Santiago Accord, was withdrawing its candidates from the May 16 elections, claiming that the conditions for a free and honest poll were not in place.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740120–0198. Confidential; Immediate. Repeated to Port-au-Prince, CINCSO, and CINCLANT. All brackets are in the original except those added for clarity or indicating garbled text. Telegram 1982 from Santo Domingo is dated May 14. (Ibid., D740118–0820) In telegram 2057 from Santo Domingo, May 20, the Embassy reported on a Santiago Accord declaration issued after the election was held in which the opposition coalition protested against what it called the “illegitimacy, illegality, and the fraud which has taken place during this campaign.” (Ibid., D740125–0525) In telegram 2159 from Santo Domingo, May 24, the Embassy reported that the Santiago Accord had filed a legal challenge to the validity of the election, which, according to telegram 2343 from Santo Domingo, June 7, the Central Electoral Board rejected. (Both ibid., D740131–0994 and D740147–0088)
338. Telegram 2094 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported on the results of the May 16 elections, in which President Balaguer won a resounding victory after most opposition candidates withdrew from the ballot.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740128–0553. Confidential; Niact Immediate. Repeated to Port-au-Prince, CINCSO, and CINCLANT for POLAD.
339. Telegram 2496 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: Hurwitch reported on a conversation with Balaguer on the role of the military in Dominican politics.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 783, Latin America, Dominican Republic, Vol. 1. Secret; Exdis. In telegram 2479 from Santo Domingo, June 19, the Embassy noted that the President “appeared his usual unruffled and gracious self” during the conversation and listed the subjects discussed in the meeting. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740160–0734)
340. Telegram 148927 From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Dominican Republic
Summary: Expressing its concern that the Dominican Republic might be following the lead of Jamaica in seeking to impose higher taxes on the bauxite mining operations of a U.S. corporation, the Department asked Hurwitch to encourage Balaguer to pursue a reasonable negotiated agreement with Alcoa.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740184–0329. Confidential; Immediate; Limdis. Drafted by Burke and by William Courtney in EB/IFD/OIA, cleared by Shlaudeman and by Richard Smith in EB/IFD/ODF, and approved by Assistant Secretary Thomas Enders in EB. All brackets are in the original except those indicating garbled text. In telegram 1548 from Santo Domingo, April 16, the Embassy reported on the Dominican Government’s interest in renegotiating its contract with Alcoa and noted that Balaguer had appointed a commission to enter into talks with the company. (Ibid., D740087–1158) Telegram 2728 from Santo Domingo, July 5, in which the Embassy reported that talks between Alcoa and the Dominican commission had reached a “temporary impasse,” is the reference telegram incorrectly cited in the telegram as “Santo Domingo 2738.” (Ibid., D740178–1120) In telegram 151562 to Santo Domingo, July 13, the Department reiterated its concern about the situation and called upon Hurwitch to try to convince Balaguer of “the real advantages in trying to fashion a ‘Dominican settlement’ out of a genuine negotiation with Alcoa rather than forcing a potentially disruptive settlement through extra legal means.” (Ibid., D740187–0669)
341. Telegram 2905 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: Hurwitch reported on a conversation with Presidential advisor Ramón Font Bernard in which he conveyed U.S. concerns about the course of negotiations between the Dominican Government and Alcoa on payments due in connection with the U.S. company’s bauxite mining activities.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Country Files, Box 783, Latin America, Dominican Republic, Vol. 1. Confidential; Immediate; Exdis. Telegram 151562 to Santo Domingo is dated July 13. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740187–0669) Telegram 2877 from Santo Domingo is dated July 15. (Ibid., D740189–0474) Telegram 2900 from Santo Domingo is dated July 15. (Ibid., D740191–0891) Hurwitch subsequently discussed the issue with President Balaguer’s private secretary, Rafael Bello Andino, and made the “same points” to him, but “with greater emphasis this time on investment climate (Bello Andino is more hard-hearted than the intellectual Font Bernard).” (Telegram 2927 from Santo Domingo, July 18; ibid., D740193–0762) In telegram 3028 from Santo Domingo, July 24, the Embassy noted that Balaguer had informed an Alcoa representative that he believed that unilaterally imposing new levies on the company’s operations would be “the wrong way to go.” (Ibid., D740200–0624) In telegram 3068 from Santo Domingo, July 26, the Embassy expressed its gratification that its “efforts with President Balaguer’s palace intimates” had helped to derail “the proposed legislation which would have set the terms of Alcoa’s new contract a la Jamaica.” (Ibid., D740204–0013) The conclusion and the terms of the agreement subsequently reached with Alcoa were reported in telegrams 4924 and 5065 from Santo Domingo, December 2 and 11. (Both ibid., D740348–0863 and D740360–0475)
342. Telegram 3723 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported on Dominican opposition leader José Francisco Peña Gómez’s public acknowledgment of a meeting with Hurwitch. The telegram suggested that Peña Gómez’s announcement reflected the success of the Embassy’s efforts to improve its relations with opposition figures.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740252–0497. Confidential. In telegram 3624 from Santo Domingo, September 3, the Embassy provided more details on the August 30 meeting between Peña Gómez and Hurwitch. (Ibid., D740244–0211)
343. Telegram 3802 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported that the situation of undocumented Dominican immigrants to the United States was becoming a political issue in the Dominican Republic.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740259–1060. Confidential. All brackets are in the original except “[up],” added for clarity. In telegram 3624 from Santo Domingo, September 3, the Embassy reported that Peña Gómez had raised the treatment of illegal Dominican immigrants in the United States during an August 30 meeting with Hurwitch. (Ibid., D740244–0211)
344. Telegram 3959 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported the kidnapping of Public Affairs Officer Barbara Hutchison by gunmen demanding the release from prison of an opposition militant.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740273–0418. Limited Official Use; Flash. Repeated Immediate to USUN and Caracas. In a September 27 memorandum, Kissinger informed President Ford of the kidnapping. (Ford Library, National Security Adviser Papers, Presidential Country Files for Latin America, Box 4, Dominican Republic) In the days that followed, the standoff that developed between the kidnappers and Dominican authorities was the subject of multiple telegrams from Santo Domingo, including telegram 4044 of October 2, telegram 4170 of October 8, and telegrams 4201 and 4202 both October 9. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D740277–0869, D740286–0060, D740286–0056, except telegram 4170, which is in the Ford Library, National Security Adviser Papers, Presidential Country Files for Latin America, Box 4, Dominican Republic—State Department Telegrams—To Secstate—Nodis) In airgram A–76, January 7, 1975, the Department provided a detailed account of the kidnapping episode to all ARA posts. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P750005–0109)
345. Memorandum From the Executive Secretary of the Department of State (Springsteen) to the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft)
Summary: The Department informed Scowcroft that Hutchison and other foreigners being held by gunmen at the Venezuelan consulate in the Dominican Republic had been released after a lengthy standoff in exchange for safe passage to Panama for the kidnappers.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P740122–0904. No classification marking. Drafted by Strasser, cleared by Shlaudeman, Burke, and Hoffacker in S/CCT. A note on the memorandum reads: “Revised text recv’d per Davis memo 10/10/74 and cleared by Mr. Low.” Attached is a draft of a message to be sent by Ford to Balaguer, not published. In telegram 224451 to Santo Domingo, October 11, the Department transmitted the version of the message that was conveyed to Balaguer. (Ibid., D740289–0317) In telegram 4276 from Santo Domingo, October 14, Hurwitch reported on his delivery of the message, noting that Balaguer had “launched into a highly complimentary (embarrassingly so) and emotional (for him) expression of satisfaction and appreciation for my assistance throughout the ordeal.” Hurwitch reported that “the terrorists achieved nothing but opprobrium for the deed and the saving of their own skins” and that at the conclusion of the episode U.S. relations with the government, especially with Balaguer, were better than ever. (Ibid., D740292–0233)
346. Telegram 195 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported that Gulf and Western president Charles Bluhdorn had arranged for retired U.S. Admiral Gerald Miller to conduct a review of the Dominican Republic’s military needs for President Balaguer.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750012–0821. Secret; Stadis. All brackets are in the original except those indicating text that remains classified. According to telegram 268 from Santo Domingo, January 16, Hurwitch spoke with Bluhdorn about his role in securing military advice for the Dominican Government and warned him against involvement in sensitive matters that were properly the concern of the Embassy. (Ibid., D750017–0604) In telegram 315 from Santo Domingo, January 20, Hurwitch reported that he had spoken again with the Gulf and Western executive about this matter on January 19 and that he was “reasonably confident that a lesson has been learned and that Bluhdorn will be more careful in the future.” (Ibid., D750021–0617) In telegram 1284, March 24, Santo Domingo reported on Admiral Miller’s delivery of his report on the Dominican Republic’s military needs to Balaguer. (Ibid., D750102–0849)
347. Airgram A–24 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy provided an assessment of the human rights situation in the Dominican Republic, concluding that the country’s performance was generally good despite occasional official harassment of the opposition.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P750045–1214. Confidential. Drafted by Political Officer Leonardo Neher; cleared by Economic Officer A. Dane Bowen, Maj. MacCoy in DAO, Michael Stack in AID, Thomas Clayton of BIO, Administrative Officer Jack Thrower, Col. Donabedian in MAAG, Barbara Hutchison in USIS, Consular Officer Vernon McAninch, and Deputy Chief of Mission Philip Axelrod; and approved by Hurwitch. Telegram 12320 to all diplomatic posts is dated January 17. (Ibid., D750020–0520)
348. Telegram 1210 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported on the murder of Orlando Martínez, a leftist journalist who had been critical of the government, opposition figures, and other powerful interests in Dominican society.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750094–0669. Limited Official Use; Priority. Repeated to Bogotá, Caracas, Mexico City, Port-au-Prince, and San Salvador. In telegram 1227, March 19, the Embassy reported on further reaction to the killing of Martínez. (Ibid., D750097–0568) In telegram 1271, March 21, the Embassy reported that the situation had calmed somewhat and that “there now seems little likelihood that murder of Martínez will cause significant disturbances as seemed possible immediately following his death.” (Ibid., D750100–0746) Telegram 1334 from Santo Domingo, March 27, noted the slow progress of the investigation. (Ibid., D750108–0126)
349. Telegram 2191 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy assessed the outcome of a political crisis triggered when the four top Dominican military leaders resigned their positions in protest after President Balaguer named a rival to the post of chief of police.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750171–1132. Confidential. Repeated to Caracas, Mexico City, Port-au-Prince, CINCSO, and CINCLANT for POLAD. In telegram 2102 from Santo Domingo, May 10, the Embassy reported on the resignations, and telegram 2131 from Santo Domingo, May 12, noted some of the steps taken by Balaguer to respond to the crisis. (Both ibid., D750165–0069, and D750167–0683) According to telegram 2132 from Santo Domingo, May 12, Balaguer appeared to have prevailed in his showdown with the disgruntled officers and “to have sailed through the roughest weather his top military leaders have made in his nine years as President.” (Ibid., D750165–0918) In telegram 2814 from Santo Domingo, June 25, the Embassy provided an assessment of the episode, concluding that “the President has emerged strengthened” and that “in the longer run, the readjustment of the military balance of power makes it more difficult to predict who will take power when Balaguer leaves office.” (Ibid., D750220–0535)
350. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Assistant Secretary Rogers and Ambassador Hurwitch met with President Balaguer and discussed petroleum prices, economic development, military assistance, and U.S.-Dominican relations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P830035–1026. Confidential. Drafted by Hurwitch. The meeting was held in the Palacio Nacional. In telegram 2280 from Santo Domingo, May 20, the Embassy reported on the May 19 speech by President Balaguer to an Inter-American Development Bank conference. (Ibid., D750177–0964)
351. Telegram 136431 From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Dominican Republic
Summary: The Department reported on a meeting with the Dominican Ambassador in which Department officials insisted on consular access to three U.S. citizens who had been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the landing of leftist guerrillas in the Dominican Republic.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750204–0027. Confidential; Niact Immediate. Drafted by Strasser and Lee, cleared by Burke, and approved by Ryan. In telegram 2569 from Santo Domingo, June 6, the Embassy reported on an alleged connection between three detained U.S. citizens and Dominican militants, and telegram 2537, June 9, described initial efforts to gain access to the detainees. (Both ibid., D750202–0532 and D750200–0544) In telegram 134554 to Santo Domingo, June 9, the Department provided the Embassy with additional guidance for the handling of the situation. (Ibid., D750201–0085) In telegram 2604 from Santo Domingo, June 12, the Embassy reported on Chargé Axelrod’s meeting with Foreign Secretary Ramón Emilio Jiménez, in which he presented the Department’s position on the need for consular access to the detainees and stated that he was “apprehensive about the effects on our relations if consular contact could not be made today.” (Ibid., D750205–0602) In telegram 2679 from Santo Domingo, June 16, the Embassy noted that a consular visit to the prisoners took place on that date. (Ibid., D750209–0914)
352. Telegram 3451 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: After three U.S. citizens accused of transporting guerrillas to the Dominican Republic in June were convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison, Ambassador Hurwitch reported that the handling of the case by the Dominican judicial system might well be subject to criticism that would damage the country’s image.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750269–0208. Confidential. Telegram 3424 from Santo Domingo is dated August 1. (Ibid., D750266–0913) The Embassy initially reported the conviction of the three detainees in telegram 3400 from Santo Domingo, July 31. (Ibid., D750264–1224) Telegram 3422 from Santo Domingo, August 1, contains a more detailed account of their trial. (Ibid., D750266–0881) In telegram 3484 from Santo Domingo, August 6, Hurwitch reported on a conversation with influential Presidential advisor Polibio Díaz in which the Ambassador suggested that the conviction of three U.S. citizens on the basis of questionable evidence could lead to congressional criticism of the Dominican Republic in the United States. (Ibid., D750272–0121) In telegram 5118 from Santo Domingo, November 18, the Embassy conveyed the news that Balaguer had pardoned the three prisoners, and telegram 5598 from Santo Domingo, December 23, reported on the release of the prisoners from detention and their departure from the country. (Both ibid., D750401–0185 and D750445–0791)
353. Telegram 5311 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: Hurwitch characterized U.S.-Dominican relations as “rosy,” declining the Department’s offer of assistance.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D750418–0607. Secret; Exdis. In telegram 282526 to all American Republic diplomatic posts, December 1, the Department had solicited suggestions for bettering relations with Latin American countries. (Ibid., D750416–0746)
354. Telegram 1245 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy provided its annual assessment of the human rights situation in the Dominican Republic, concluding that the country’s record was generally good.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760098–0008. Confidential. The Embassy prepared this document as a response to the Department’s telegram 45319 to all posts, February 25, which called for the submission of human rights reports. (Ibid., D760071–0412) In airgram A–33 from Santo Domingo, March 15, the Embassy provided additional information on the human rights situation in the Dominican Republic. (Ibid., P760041–0645) For airgram A–24 from Santo Domingo, March 8, see Document 347.
355. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: During a brief visit to the Dominican Republic, Kissinger met with Balaguer and discussed Dominican indebtedness, the country’s electricity shortage, and relations with Cuba.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P820118–1631. Confidential; Nodis. Drafted by Hurwitch and approved by Haley Collums in S on July 20. Attached but not published are a listing of follow-up items and a July 17 memorandum submitting the memorandum of conversation to Collums.
356. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford
Summary: Scowcroft transcribed Kissinger’s report on his visit to the Dominican Republic, in which he lauded the country for its economic growth and political stability and for its support of the United States.
Source: Ford Library, Ford Papers, Trip Briefing Books and Cables for Henry Kissinger, Kissinger Trip File, Box 25, June 6–13, 1976—Latin America, HAK Messages for the President. Secret; Sensitive. Sent for information. Ford initialed the memorandum.
357. Telegram 4737 From the Embassy in the Dominican Republic to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported on the concern created in Dominican business and official circles by the tripling of the U.S. tariff on sugar, a move that threatened to damage the local economy.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D760366–1070. Confidential. In telegram 4656 from Santo Domingo, September 22, the Embassy transmitted a Dominican newspaper editorial that criticized the new U.S. tariff on sugar as “a punitive and undeserved action against the international income of underdeveloped countries.” This is the telegram mistakenly cited in this document as reference telegram 4646. (Ibid., D760358–0052) In telegram 4688 from Santo Domingo, September 23, the Embassy noted further reactions to the change in U.S. sugar policy. (Ibid., D760362–0523)