354. Telegram From the Secretary of State to the Embassy in Haiti 1
17. Department concerned over continuing deterioration Haitian political and economic situation (urtels 6, 8 and 9).2 No encouraging trends discernible judging from your reports nor do they seem likely [Page 958] to develop spontaneously. Although we have conscientiously stood completely aside for past seven months while events have run their course some degree of initiative or leadership may now be due from us such as Embassy may be able quietly to supply without “intervening” in any sense. If you deem it advisable you might speak discreetly and informally with Junta members saying that US prefers not to delay recognition unduly in such cases but in view of recent experience does not wish to find itself recognizing a new de facto regime every few weeks and would like reasonable assurance that Junta is actually in effective control of country as well as ready to abide by nation’s international obligations. In this connection we are concerned over continuing signs of political cleavages, and feel it important that the Junta reconcile their differences with one another and with political leaders, desist from apparent dependence on strong-arm police methods and generally raise level of governmental conduct in eyes of international community.
Department also wishes clearest possible information on views of principal political leaders regarding the degree of cooperation Junta might expect from them under reasonable circumstances for interim period and in your discretion you are authorized to sound them out discreetly for that purpose.
While fully appreciating significance of fair and free elections Department would prefer recognition independent of election pledge from Junta. It is assumed that Junta if recognized would accept friendly advice on the subject as well as be prepared to cooperate in an aid and stabilization program of the nature clearly indicated. We cannot very well install an aid program without a recognized government to deal with and furthermore our recognition might conceivably strengthen the Junta’s position politically just enough to see it through into a calmer period when further progress could be expected.
Would appreciate your views soonest. Also please furnish list of countries which have already recognized.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 738.00/7–957. Confidential; Priority.↩
- Regarding telegram 6, see footnote 2, supra . Telegrams 8 and 9 from Port-au-Prince, July 9, are not printed. (Department of State, Central Files, 738.00/7–957)↩