ment of Cuba. With respect to Joint Consolidated List A, there will be a presumption that the persons on the list will be permitted by the Government of Cuba to depart Cuba and will be permitted by the Government of the United States to enter the United States, but final permission will be granted in the form of approval by both Governments of embarkation lists for each flight from Cuba to the United States. 6. The cases of persons whose names appear on Cuban Master List A or on US Master List A but not on both (and therefore not on Joint Consolidated List A) will be the object of further examination by the two Governments, utilizing the services of the Embassy of Switzerland in Havana as required, with a view to the inclusion of such persons in addenda to Joint Consolidated List A, or, in any case, in the second priority group described below in paragraph 8. 7. The two Governments agree that from Joint Consolidated List A, and its addenda, embarkation lists for each flight from Cuba to the United States will be drawn. The two Governments agree that they will make every effort to ensure that the following categories of persons appearing on Joint Consolidated List A are transported in the order of priority indicated: First, parents and unmarried brothers and sisters under the age of 21 living in Cuba of children living in the United States under the age of 21; Second, unmarried children under the age of 21 living in Cuba of parents living in the United States; and third, spouses living in Cuba of persons living in the United States. Families and other members of the households will be permitted to travel together in accordance with the principles of paragraph 3 above. 8. When both Governments agree that the persons appearing on Joint Consolidated List A and its addenda no longer require full utilization of the transportation provided, the movement of other persons living in Cuba who wish to live in the United States will begin. First consideration will be given to relatives living in Cuba of persons living in the United States who do not fall within the definition of immediate relatives. 9. The Government of Cuba agrees to present, in due course, to the Embassy of Switzerland in Havana, for transmission to the Government of the United States a list (hereinafter called "Cuban Master List B') of all such persons who will be permitted to depart from Cuba. The Government of Cuba agrees to consider, in preparing Cuban Master List B, names of persons living in Cuba submitted by the Government of the United States on the basis of information supplied by friends and relatives living in the United States. 10. The two Governments agree that Cuban Master List B will form the basis of the preparation of embarkation lists for each flight from Cuba to the United States, in accordance with procedures described below. 11. The Government of Cuba agrees that, with respect to persons on either Joint Consolidated List A or Cuban Master List B, it will prepare, in consultation with the Embassy of Switzerland in Havana, prospective embarkation lists for individual flights from Cuba to the United States. Such lists will be provided the Government of the United States at least seven days prior to the date of the flight. 12. The Government of the United States agrees in turn to inform the Gov ernment of Cuba without delay, through the Embassy of Switzerland in Havana, of persons on the embarkation lists approved for entry into the United States, with the understanding that final formalities will be completed at the point of embarkation by officers of the US Immigration and Naturalization Service and Public Health Service. 13. The Government of Cuba agrees to assemble such persons at the airport at Varadero. 14. The two Governments agree that such persons will be subject to a final departure inspection by officials of the Department of Immigration and the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba and to an entrance inspection by officials of the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Public Health Service of the United States, at the airport in Varadero. Persons found to be ineligible for departure from Cuba by Cuban officials in accordance with the laws and regulations in force in Cuba or those found by American officials to be ineligible for entrance into the United States under laws and regulations in force in the United States will not be permitted to embark. 15. The Government of the United States agrees to provide air transportation to carry persons permitted to depart Cuba and to enter the United States from Varadero to a convenient point in the United States. 16. The Government of the United States agrees to provide air transportation with such frequency and capacity as to permit the movement of between 3,000 and 4,000 persons per month. 17. The two Governments agree that the first movement under the terms of this memorandum of understanding will begin not later than December 1, 1965. 18. The two Governments agree that any problems that may arise in the implementation of this memorandum of understanding will be considered jointly by the Embassy of Switzerland in Havana, representing the interests of the United States of America in the Republic of Cuba, and the Government of Cuba. In the course of the conversations which led to the memorandum of understanding set forth above, the Government of Cuba stated its position concerning the departure of technicians and men from 15 to 26 years of age in Cuba who are obliged to perform compulsory military service. The Government of Cuba also stated that it would set forth its position on these matters in a separate note. The Government of the United States stated that it would reply, through the Embassy of Switzerland, to the note of the Government of Cuba referred to in the preceding paragraph and would set forth its own position on these matters as it had been expressed in the course of the discussions. Furthermore, the Government of the United States stated it would transmit to the Government of Cuba, through the Embassy of Switzerland, a separate note concerning the position of the Government of the United States on the matter of the inclusion in the movement from Cuba of persons imprisoned in Cuba for offenses of a political nature as that position had been expressed in the course of the discussions. The Government of Cuba stated that it would reply to the note of the Government of the United States concerning the inclusion in the movement to that country of persons imprisoned in Cuba for offenses against the revolution and would set forth its own position on this matter as it had been expressed in the course of the discussions. The Embassy has the honor to propose that, if the understandings described in the memorandum of understanding set forth above are acceptable to the Ministry of Foreign Relations, this note and the Ministry's reply concurring therein shall constitute an acceptance by the Government of the United States and the Government of Cuba of the terms of the memorandum of understanding, which shall take effect on the date of the reply. [Spanish language version omitted.] A concurring note from the Cuban Foreign Ministry to the Swiss Embassy completed the exchange and put the memorandum of understanding into effect. Exchange Regarding Skilled Personnel and Those Subject to Military Callup In addition to these main notes, there were four other notes exchanged separately at about 9:30 a.m. CST. The first of these, from the Cuban Foreign Ministry to the Swiss Embassy, reads as follows (complimentary introduction and close omitted): The Government of Cuba, in accordance with the statement in the note containing the memorandum of understanding, and in order to prevent errors in interpretation on the part of, or in relation to, certain persons who, by reason of the social function they perform or because of legal obligations from which they cannot be excused, are subject to certain restrictions in regard to their departure or who do not have the right to leave the country, considers it useful to confirm in writing, and also to publish, what was stated orally in the conversations with the Swiss Embassy which preceded the said (memorandum of) understanding, in reference to priorities, form and manner of departure of Cubans who wish to join their relatives or live in the United States, namely that in the case of technicians or skilled personnel whose departure from the country may cause a serious disturbance in a specific social service or in production, because a replacement for such person would not immediately be available, the Government of Cuba will authorize the departure of such person within the period during which the trips will take place, but will postpone it until the time when such person may be replaced in the duties which he performs. Likewise, and in conformity with the statement in the Cuban note containing the memorandum of understanding, and for the same reasons set forth in the preceding paragraph, the Government of Cuba considers it desirable to confirm hereby, and at the same time to publish, what it clearly stated during the course of the negotiations; namely that no citizen who under the law is included in the first call-up for compulsory military service, that is, between 17 and 26 years of age, or who will be included in the call-up in the next two years, that is to say, who is at present 15 years of age, has the right to leave the country and therefore will not be authorized to leave. The Swiss Embassy replied to this note as follows (complimentary introduction and close omitted): During the recent discussions which led to the memorandum of understanding of November 6, 1965, the Embassy of Switzerland made clear that it had been the understanding and hope of the Government of the United States that the statement by the Prime Minister of Cuba on September 30, 1965, would encompass persons in these categories who wished to leave Cuba to live in the United States. Thus, for example, there was no suggestion in that broad statement that any technicians who wished to leave Cuba for the United States would be prevented from departing, even temporarily. The Government of the United States regrets that at this time the Government of Cuba has not permitted men subject to military service and certain technicians to be included under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding. The Government of the United States expresses the hope that the Government of Cuba will be willing to reconsider this position expressed in the course of the discussions mentioned above and repeated in the note of the Ministry. The Government of the United States wishes to stress the particular importance which such reconsideration would have in permitting the reunion of many families. For its part, the Government of the United States reaffirms its readiness to grant entry to the United States of the persons who are the subject of this note through procedures consistent with those established in the Memorandum of Understanding of this date. Exchange Regarding Political The third separate note was from the Swiss Embassy to the Cuban Foreign Ministry (complimentary introduction and close omitted): As the Embassy of Switzerland made clear during the course of the recent conversations which led to the Memorandum of Understanding on the movement of persons from Cuba to the United States, accepted by both Governments on November 6, 1965, the Government of the United States regards with special humanitarian concern the cases of those persons imprisoned in Cuba for offenses of a political nature. It had been the understanding and hope of the Government of the United States that the statement by the Prime Minister of Cuba on September 30, 1965 would encompass persons in this category who wished to leave Cuba to live in the United States. The Government of the United States regrets that at this time the Government of Cuba has not permitted political prisoners to be included under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding. The Government of the United States expresses the hope that the Government of Cuba will be willing to reconsider this position. The Government of the United States wishes to stress the particular importance which such reconsideration would have in permitting the reunion of many families. For its part, the Government of the United States reaffirms its readiness to grant entry to the United States of such political prisoners through procedures consistent with those established in the Memorandum of Understanding of November 6, 1965. The final separate note, a response by the Cuban Foreign Ministry to the note initiated by the Swiss Embassy, read as follows: The Ministry of Foreign Relations presents its compliments to the Embassy of Switzerland, representing the interests of the United States of America in Cuba, and in acknowledging receipt of its note dated November 6, has the honor to inform it that the Cuban position on the matter is that expressed in its note of October 12 of the present year.11 The 17 Not printed here. 18 OAS doc. OEA/Ser.L/X/II.10. Committee met from Oct. 18-Nov. 10, 1965. Quotation is from a study (annexed to the Report) prepared by the Committee during its meeting for consideration at the Second Special Inter-American Conference (see ante, doc. X-7). 19 Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Lyndon B. Johnson, 1965, vol. I, p. 461. The following is a note in the source text: NOTE: The President read the statement on a television broadcast transmitted at 8:40 p.m. from the theater at the White House. The following information concerning the situation in the Dominican Republic during the period Apr. 24-28 was furnished by the White House: "On April 24, 1965, dissident civilian and military elements, among them followers of ex-President Juan Bosch's Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), rebelled against the "Triumvirate' government headed by Donald Reid Cabral. They succeeded in taking over some key installations in the city of Santo Domingo, including radio broadcasting facilities over which they urged the populace to join the revolt, and began to distribute indiscriminately to civilians large quantities of arms taken from captured government arsenals. When the regular Armed Forces failed to come to the support of President Reid, he was forced to step down on THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Document X-16 Address by the President (Johnson) to the Nation, April 28, 1965 1o Despatch of United States Troops to the Dominican Republic "To Protect American Lives" I just concluded a meeting with the leaders of the Congress. I reported to them on the serious situation in the Dominican Republic. I reported the decisions this Government considers necessary in this (Footnote 19 continued) April 25 after the rebels had seized the National Palace. "During the afternoon of April 25, officers of the regular and insurrectionary forces, and leaders of the PRD and other elements met to discuss the formation of a provisional government. The representatives of the regular Armed Forces favored the establishment of a military junta and the holding of early elections. The insurrectionary leaders wanted the formation of an interim government under PRD leader José Rafael Molina Urena, pending the expected early return and reinstatement of former President Bosch who had been ousted from office in September 1963. "The regular military forces, strongly opposed to Bosch's return, demanded the immediate designation of a military junta to prepare for national elections in September 1965. They accompanied their demand with an ultimatum that the regular forces would attack unless their terms were met. The rebel forces disregarded the ultimatum and hostilities began late on the afternoon of April 25. "During April 25-28, the tempo of the fighting increased. Efforts by the American Embassy, the Papal Nuncio, and others to arrange a cease-fire failed. Violence and lawlessness in Santo Domingo steadily mounted to the point where civil authority disappeared. The lives of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals were seriously threatened. Under these conditions, the American Embassy began the evacuation of American citizens on April 27. "The following day, in the face of a further deterioration of the situation, notification by Dominican military authorities that they could no longer guarantee the safety of Americans, and the growing danger of interference with the evacuation effort, Ambassador Bennett, supported by the country team, recommended the immediate landing of U.S. Marines. Pursuant to orders from the President, the Marines began landing at approximately 7 p.m., Washington time." Two rival "governments" eventually emerged in the Dominican Republic during the first weeks of the civil war-the pro-Bosch (rebel) "Constitutional Government," led by Col. Francisco Caamaño Deño, and the "Government of National Reconstruction," a civilian-military junta headed by Gen. Antonio Imbert Barrera. situation in order to protect American lives. The members of the leadership expressed their support in these decisions. The United States Government has been informed by military authorities in the Dominican Republic that American lives are in danger. These authorities are no longer able to guarantee their safety, and they have reported that the assistance of military personnel is now needed for that purpose. I have ordered the Secretary of Defense to put the necessary American troops ashore in order to give protection to hundreds of Americans who are still in the Dominican Republic and to escort them safely back to this country. This same assistance will be available to the nationals of other countries, some of whom have already asked for our help. Pursuant to my instructions, 400 Marines have already landed. General Wheeler, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has just reported to me that there have been no incidents. We have appealed repeatedly in recent days for a cease-fire between the contending forces of the Dominican Republic in the interests of all Dominicans and foreigners alike. I repeat this urgent appeal again tonight. The Council of the OAS has been advised of the situation by the Dominican Ambassador [José Antonio Bonilla Atiles], and the Council will be kept fully informed. Document X-17 Address by the President (Johnson) to the Nation, April 30, 1965 2 The Urgency of Sending OAS Good evening, ladies and gentlemen: For 2 days American forces 20 At his news conference on the previous day, President Johnson said that he understood that 1,000 Americans had been evacuated, following his order that those wanting to leave be evacuated (see ibid., p. 451). 21 Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Lyndon B. Johnson, 1965, vol. I, pp. 465–466. have been in Santo Domingo in an effort to protect the lives of Americans and the nationals of other countries in the face of increasing violence and disorder. With the assistance of these American forces, over 2,400 Americans and other nationals have been evacuated from the Dominican Republic. We took this step when, and only when, we were officially notified by police and military officials of the Dominican Republic that they were no longer in a position to guarantee the safety of American and foreign nationals and to preserve law and order. In the last 24 hours violence and disorder have increased. There is great danger to the life of foreign nationals and of thousands of Dominican citizens, our fellow citizens of this hemisphere. By an outstanding effort of mediation the Papal Nuncio has achieved an agreement on a cease-fire which I have urged all those concerned to take. But this agreement is not now, as I speak, being fully respected. The maintenance of the cease-fire is essential to the hopes of all for peace and freedom in the Dominican Republic. Meanwhile there are signs that people trained outside the Dominican Republic are seeking to gain control. Thus the legitimate aspirations of the Dominican people and most of their leaders for progress, democracy, and social justice are threatened and so are the principles of the inter-American system. The inter-American system, and its principal organ, the Organization of American States, have a grave and immediate responsibility. It is important that prompt action be taken. I am informed that a representative of the OAS is leaving Washington very shortly for the Dominican Republic. It is very important that representatives of the OAS be sent to the Dominican Republic, just as soon as they can be sent there, in order to strengthen the cease-fire and in order to help clear a road to the necessity of a cease-fire. Several cease-fires have actually been arranged but none of them have been kept. And since the Americans and other foreigners have been in great danger, we have-at the same time that we have been requesting a cease-fire on both sides-we have evacuated some 1,400 citizens of my country and of other nations. Unfortunately, before the evacuation was completed, there was further deterioration rather than a cease-fire, and an equal number of American citizens and many more nationals of other countries are still in the Dominican Republic. At this time there are some 650 additional persons at the polo grounds awaiting evacuation. I may say that among those evacuated there have been 150 other nationals-other than the United States citizens-including citizens of the Latin countries, French, Dutch, Swedish, German, Spanish, British, and Canadians. Beginning today the United States Embassy has been under heavy fire throughout the day, and according to our information the diplomatic inviolability of at least five American Embassies has been violated; one of them, I understand, the Embassy of El Salvador, has been sacked and burned, and the Embassies of Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru, as well as that of the United States, have been violated. We are, therefore, in our summation, faced with an immediate problem of how to restore law and order in order to protect not only the citizens of foreign countries, private and official; not only to proceed with evacuation in an orderly way; but also to stop the excessive vandalism which many people are wreaking on their fellow Dominican citizens, and I promise to keep the Council fully informed of developments. I want to also state the fact that we are reinforcing our forces in Santo Domingo tonight, with the purpose of adequately protecting the lives of our citizens and the citizens of other countries who are there.28 Therefore I would request that, as a matter of great importance and urgency, the Council this very night direct an appeal for a cease-fire to all sides. My Government for its part will heartily join in such an appeal. 28 See post, doc. X-20. |