File No. 2126/88–89.
Minister Furniss to
the Secretary of State.
American Legation,
Port au
Prince, January 24,
1908.
No. 286.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith the
acknowledgment by the Haitian Government of the protest which I sent
under date of the 17th instant, against the bombardment of St. Marc,
copy of which I inclosed in my No. 278 of the 17th instant.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
The Minister for Foreign
Affairs to Minister Furniss.
Foreign Office,
Port au
Prince, January 18,
1908.
Mr. Minister: Your note of yesterday’s date
informs me that you have reasons to believe that the Haitian
Government proposes to bombard St. Marc, at present occupied by
revolutionists.
[Page 428]
In that regard, you think it opportune to call my attention to the
fact that there are American citizens with large commercial
interests in that city; you declare that you are informed that that
city is not fortified; you wish to protest against the bombardment
that may cause injury to persons as well as to the properties of
these Americans, and that further, the Haitian Government would be
held responsible for those injuries.
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of that communication to
which it is necessary that I make the most expressive reserves. I
think it my duty, besides, to remark that it is imperiously
incumbent on the Government to restore order; consequently it is
resolved to take all the measures authorized by the usages of war;
it is none the less decided to make all efforts to reconcile its
duty to restore peace in the troubled districts with its anxiety to
safeguard and protect as far as possible, the lives of inoffensive
persons and the interests of foreigners in general.
I take occasion to reiterate to you, etc.,
