840.48 Refugees/2048: Telegram

The Chargé in the Dominican Republic (Hinkle) to the Secretary of State

10. Referring to the Legation’s despatch No. 1127, January 26, 1940, an agreement was signed today in the presence of General Trujillo, the Vice President, the Cabinet, leading dignitaries, and chiefs of diplomatic missions, between the Dominican Government, represented by the Ministers of the Interior41 and Agriculture,42 and the Dominican Republic Settlement Association represented by Messrs. James Rosenberg and Rosen. The contract was witnessed by Morris for the Inter-Governmental Committee, and by Harold Linder for the Coordinating Foundation. Pell expressed appreciation to the Dominican Government on behalf of the American delegation to the Inter-Governmental Committee—the final text of his statement has been sent by air mail to the Department—and General Trujillo replied at the close of the speaking with a statement of his aims for the development of his country.

The contract, which is placed under the auspices of [sic] aegis of the Inter-Governmental Committee, provides for the immediate settlement of 500 Jewish and non-Jewish families and settlement of further contingents up to 100,000 persons as conditions warrant. The association assumes full financial responsibility for the settlement and the Republic waives all taxes, fees, and duties. The contract will become effective upon ratification by the board of the Association and upon promulgation of appropriate Dominican legislation.43

The decisions relating to the land to be used for settlement are set forth not in the contract but in an exchange of letters between Mr. Rosenberg and General Trujillo whereby the latter “contributes his Sosúa property in exchange for shares in the Dominican Settlement Association. [”]

Text of agreement by air mail.44

[Page 213]

The negotiations leading up to the signing of the agreement were carried out with notable good will and cordiality on both sides.

Hinkle
  1. J. Garcia.
  2. A. R. Carbuccía.
  3. The agreement and three laws implementing the agreement were ratified by the Dominican Congress on February 21, 1940.
  4. Not printed.