The Italian Legacy in the Dominican Republic

THE ITALIAN LEGACY IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

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this book’s Chapter 11, “Juan Bautista Cambiaso (1820-1886), Founder of the Dominican Navy and First Admi-

ral of the Republic.”

As examined over the course of the following pages, Cambiaso was an active participant

in Italian-Dominican relations.

The following chronology is incomplete, though it suggests that relations with Italy were established grad-

ually throughout the mid-1800s. It is important to note that Italy’s relationship with the Republic was based on

trade, rather than political favor.

1854

•

A Treaty of Friendship is signed in Turin, Italy, establishing trade relations with the Kingdom of Sar-

dinia during General Pedro Santana’s administration. It was later ratified by Resolution No. 373 of 1855. The

treaty’s terms were broad, including items such as everlasting peace, friendship, freedom of commerce, and

tax exemptions for Italian investors, including indemnification in the event of any unfortunate occurrences.

This treaty was signed by the President of the Dominican Republic through his representative, José Fon-

tana, and the King of Sardinia through his representative, José Dabormida, “Knight Grand Cordon of the

Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus, decorated by several other foreign Orders, and artillery Major.”

The

Secretary of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs was also present. The document contained 27 articles. Here

are some of the major points:

Letters patent of

appointment of Angelo

Porcella Vicini as

Consul of Italy in the

Dominican Republic by

King Vittorio Emanuele

III. Image recovered

from the archives of

the Porcella family,

direct descendants.