SITUATON IN HAITI FOLLOWING DEATH OF DUVALIER

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-559-30-9-9
• Release Decision: RIPLIM
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: July 7, 2010
• Sequence Number: 9
• Publication Date: April 22, 1971
• Content Type: MEMO

22 April 1971
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No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/07/07: LOC-HAK-559-30-9-9
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MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT Situation in Haiti Following Death of:Duvalier
1. The recently amended Haitian constitution provides
for a successor to the president. That successor has been
named and his selection ratified by popular referendum. He
is Jean-Claude Duvalier, the 20-year old son of former Presi-
dent Duvalier who informed Ambassador Knox of his father's
death on"the evening of 21 April.
2. The initial act of transferring authority appears to
have transpired without incident. Jean-Claude's tenure will
probably be jeopardized by his youth, lack of preparation, the
probable development of pro and anti-Jean Claude factions, and
anxiety by men outside the government to make a move before it
is too late. Duvalier sought to surround Jean-Claude with men
whom he could rely upon to?respect his wishes. Without the
restraining presence of Duvalier himself, the personal ambitions
which these Duvalierists harbor are expected to surface in the
near future. Also, people outside the government are expected
to try to move quickly toward power before they are cut out by
others in the government who are in bottor position.
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No Objection to Declassification in Part 2010/07/07: LOC-HAK-559-30-9-9
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3. The exiles, and oppoeitionists within the country,
are considered too weak, small and disorganized to act immedi-
ately, but they will try to take advantage of the first oppor-
tunity in 14 years.to play a role in Haiti. There are no clear
indications that Cuban or other foreign support to 'exile groups
has prepared them for an immediate move. Duvalier's death of
course increases the possibility. The Haitian military,. which
is now.on full alert, is probably capable of containing moderate
internal disorders but it is not adequate to resist a'strong
attack from abroad.
4. Fear ofstn invasion from abroad, whether wall founded
or not, may inhibit any immediate struggle for power within 1
Haiti among those now in positions of power.
The new President
has already requested the United States to provide naval sur-
veillance in the waters around Haiti to prevent Cuban vessels
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