839.00/3038
The Minister in the Dominican Republic (Young) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 15.]
Sir: With reference to the Legation’s telegram No. 22 of this date3 regarding the question of the length of the present presidential [Page 546] period, I have the honor to report that I discussed the matter at some length this morning with the President. During the course of the conversation, I reviewed the reasons which would seem to make any prolongation of the term both improper and undesirable.
The President listened courteously and attentively to my informal representations and then set forth his own attitude and the situation as it appeared to him. In brief, the President’s statements were as follows:—
- (1)
- That he has no desire to retain office merely in order longer to enjoy the power and authority which pertain to the presidency.
- (2)
- That he realizes fully that some of those who are supporting the six year term proposal are materially influenced by their own personal interests …
- (3)
- That unless there appears a well defined sentiment on the part of “non-political interests” in support of the prolongation of his term, he will leave office at the expiration of four years.
- (4)
- That the country has undeniably made much progress toward political and economic stability under his administration and that he desires only to see a continuation of this progress; that his own future is a matter of small importance in comparison with these other considerations.
I gathered the clear impression during our conversation that the President is personally not very anxious to remain in office after July, 1928, but that heavy pressure has been brought to bear upon him by different groups to continue in power until 1930. Based on present information, it is my opinion that unless we make formal and very strong representations, the President’s final decision will be determined largely by the attitude of business and other neutral interests and elements.
Should we make strong representations and succeed in forcing the abandonment of the six year term idea, we would then be held to be responsible … for any evils resulting to the country through the election of Alfonseca. I venture to suggest, after very close consideration of the question in its varying aspects, that it would seem to be the wise and proper policy for our Government clearly and definitely to discourage the six year term proposal as not being in harmony with the Plan of Evacuation, the understanding had by all interested parties at the time of the elections in 1924, and the formal statement of the Dominican Government itself as contained in the note from the Foreign Office to the Legation. I believe it equally desirable, however, that this attitude on our part be not translated into formal notes of demand and that our action be limited to friendly advice and counsel.
I have [etc.]
- Not printed.↩