File No. 839.00/919.
The American Minister to the Secretary of State.
Santo Domingo, October 10, 1913—6 p.m.
Puerto Plata revolutionists repudiate terms made by their representatives, who had absolutely full powers, and raise impossible conditions, namely that all officials throughout the rebellious provinces shall be selected from among their friends. They had on two occasions agreed to peace, and signed the agreement the second [omission in transmission.]
I leave at once for Puerto Plata.
Further negotiations would, I believe, be worse than futile. The good people of this country are praying that we insist on this peace even if we have to fight for it. Never again will there be as good an opportunity to show these malcontents that the United States means business and will use force if necessary to establish order, as the revolution is almost entirely confined to coast towns whereas other revolutions have always extended into the interior.
Please fortify me with instructions to take the most drastic measures.