The Dominican Prospect

The October 25 issue of the American Security Council’s excellent “Washington Report” summarizes the information given to U.S. Intelligence by a Dominican Captain who defected from the rebel army a few weeks ago. (He stated as reason: “I did not like what I saw happening. I am not a Communist, and I wanted to do what I could to warn you because I do not want my country to become another Cuba.”)

He confirmed from direct observation the accuracy of Pres. Johnson’s assertion that the revolution had quickly “moved into the hands of a band of Communist conspirators.” On May 2—nine days after the outbreak, by which time 14,000 U.S. troops had landed—he was present at a meeting of the leaders of the Communist parties: the pro-Castro June 14th Movement; pro-Peking Dominican Political Movement (MPD); proMoscow Dominican Communist Party (PCD). It was recognized that in face of the U.S. troops revolutionary operations would have to be suspended. It was agreed to support Col. Caamaño while he could still be used, to hold out in the city center for the best possible deal, and to prepare for subsequent stages.

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James Burnham

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The October 25 issue of the American Security Council’s excellent “Washington Report” summarizes the information given to U.S. Intelligence by a Dominican Captain who defected from the rebel army a few weeks ago. (He stated as reason: “I did not like what I saw happening. I am not a Communist, and I wanted to do what I could to warn you because I do not want my country to become another Cuba.”)

He confirmed from direct observation the accuracy of Pres. Johnson’s assertion that the revolution had quickly “moved into the hands of a band of Communist conspirators.” On May 2—nine days after the outbreak, by which time 14,000 U.S. troops had landed—he was present at a meeting of the leaders of the Communist parties: the pro-Castro June 14th Movement; pro-Peking Dominican Political Movement (MPD); proMoscow Dominican Communist Party (PCD). It was recognized that in face of the U.S. troops revolutionary operations would have to be suspended. It was agreed to support Col. Caamaño while he could still be used, to hold out in the city center for the best possible deal, and to prepare for subsequent stages.