File No. 2126/221.
Minister Furniss to the Secretary of State.
Port au Prince, March 27, 1908.
Sir: I have the honor to report that the idea has become prevalent that our Government has decreed that under no circumstances will it permit its legation and consulates to shelter Haitians, both citizens and officials, who are being pursued for political offenses. Statements to that effect have appeared in the Haitian press, having been copied from our newspapers.
Several of our consular agents have written me for instructions as to asylum, but in the absence of positive instructions from the department I have been unable to comply with their request.
I would therefore thank the department to instruct me as to what is to be the practice of this legation and our consulates relative to the acceptance of parties who are being pursued for the so-called political offenses.
I have, etc.,