Mr. Smythe to Mr. Gresham.
Port au Prince, Haiti, January 10, 1894.
(Received January 24.)
Sir: In an interview to-day with the secretary of state for foreign affairs (at his instance) he stated that certain small whalers and other American vessels had been habitually invading Haitian territory, and in the prosecution of their business frequently putting in at closed ports, and presumably carrying on a contraband trade. He stated further, that he desired to give notice to this legation before proceeding to extreme measures. I answered that the U. S. Government could not be expected to patrol Haitian territory, and that the only course open to the Haitian Government in this behalf was to protect its territory in the usual manner, and in that case the only interest of my Government would be to see that the delinquent parties had a fair and impartial trial, in case they proved to be American vessels.
Since returning to the legation I find the same subject came up some years ago, and that this view (practically) seems to have been sustained by the Department. If my reply needs any modification please advise me.
I am, etc.,