357. Memorandum From the Secretary of State to the President 1

SUBJECT

  • Recognition of the New Government of Haiti

On June 14, 1957, the Haitian Army forced the resignation of Provisional President Daniel Fignole and established a three-man Military Council of Government to fill the Executive vacancy. Fignole’s Government, which was not recognized by the United States, had lasted only 19 days. It was one of a number of Governments since President Magloire resigned last December.

The Foreign Office, in a Note to our Embassy at Port-au-Prince on June 15, and the Military Council, in a Proclamation of June 14, set forth the new Government’s intention to abide by its international obligations, to maintain order and protect property, and to hold free, democratic elections as soon as practicable.

I believe that the statements of intention of the new Government have been made in good faith and that it is in our national interest now to recognize the Military Council. After recognition, we should continue to use our influence and to extend whatever assistance may be indicated to help Haiti along the road to democratic government and economic health. The present Government is without Communist taint and is friendly to the United States.

[Page 963]

I request your authorization to take the necessary steps to recognize the present Government of Haiti.2

John Foster Dulles
  1. Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, DullesHerter Series.
  2. A handwritten notation on the source text indicates that the President approved this memorandum. In telegram 34 to Port-au-Prince, July 26, the Department instructed the Embassy to deliver a note to the Haitian Foreign Office on July 30 recognizing the Military Council as the provisional government of Haiti. This telegram states: “Agree your recommendation no fanfare. Department does not presently plan statement.” (Department of State, Central Files, 738.02/7–2257) Department of State press release 439 of July 30 reads as follows: “The United States Government on July 30 recognized as the Government of Haiti the Military Council established on June 14, 1957.” (Department of State Bulletin, August 19, 1957, p. 315)