361/10–2650: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Dominican Republic (Ackerman) to the Secretary of State

confidential   priority

100. As President Trujillo out of city discussed OAS Committee report Acting Foreign Secretary Calderon who informed me Dominicans cannot accept this report in present form. Objections are taken to statement “as regards Resolution II, committee pleased state that situation continues satisfactory as set forth in report of June 30 last and nothing has occurred which might be considered as failure to comply with resolution on these points or as disregarding consultative organ. The Governments of Cuba and Guatemala have definitely informed comm, it is their intention continue not to permit interventionist movements nor illegal traffic in arms within their territories.”

Also committee’s statement with reference Cuban-Dominican relations “Committee notes with great satisfaction that as result such [Page 667] conversations Governments of Cuba and the Dominican Republic have reached a satisfactory agreement” also relating Angelita, agreement comm states “thanks to high spirit which has animated both governments in reaching an agreement the comm considers that now a friendly and cordial solution has terminated that controversy”.

Dominicans contend facts of case are (1) that Cuba has not taken steps to prevent Dominican exiles, Cuban citizens and others from engaging enterprises directed at disturbing peace in Caribbean and aimed at overthrow of this government and other Central American Governments. It is far fetched believe that these elements resident Cuba limit their interventionist activities to meetings abroad, (2) Cubans have not followed recommendations committee to discuss with Dominicans claims arising from Cayo Confites. Settlement of the Angelita which was accepted by Dominicans having renounced legitimate claims detention and deterioration was only part of Dominican claims arising from Cayo Confites and should not be considered full settlement of affair.

To extent there have not been any further actual revolutionary attempts during life of comm, the Dominicans recognize situation as improved, but more fundamental it considers attitude of governments one toward the other must improve and international commitments honestly administered to stamp out interventionist activities.

Calderon informed me Dominican Government, which has complied in all respects with suggestions consultative organ, will not renounce its claims against Cuban Government until they manifest some sign sincere intention discourage interventionist activity and permit the normal functioning Dominican diplomatic representatives. Dominicans continue disposed enter into bilateral discussions with Cubans but feel renunciation these claims before having convinced Cubans desirability amicable relations will lead to renewed difficulties and weaken authority any future good-will comm which may be set up by OAS.

I was unable convince Calderon desirability accepting present draft report of comm or that the problems it was created to solve have been fully dealt with. He had no satisfactory phraseology substitute in draft report but suggested I discuss matter further with Diaz Ordonez upon my arrival in Washington.1

Ackerman
  1. In its brief Second Report of October 31, the Special Committee for the Caribbean noted improvement of relations among Caribbean countries but stated that a more detailed report would be postponed “for some days.” Text of the Second Report is printed in Annals, 1950, pp. 410–411.