File No. 839.51/1210.
Minister Sullivan to the Secretary of State.
Santo Domingo, January 28, 1914, 2 p.m.
The Dominican Government accepts the principle contained in your January 26, 3 p.m., but asks to discuss three modifications. The Senate also in favor plan. The House of Deputies hoping to starve the Government from office desire to defer action until the Government falls. No doubt but that your plan will be eventually accepted. The shortest route of approval requires six readings which will take nearly a month. In the meantime the Government has not one dollar. What immediate relief can you devise that can be applied within twenty-four hours and that will carry the Government over waiting period?
[Page 202]Banco Nacional offers to supply funds if the Receivership and the Department will make necessary withdrawals so as to accommodate bank. Dominican Government must have funds without delay. Please answer by telegraph without delay.
Dominican Government requests that the loan be increased to $1,650,000 so as to embrace a fund to meet certain claims. It asks us retain the collection of the alcohol and tobacco tax unless it defaults in payment. Government requests that the financial expert assume the role of commercial attaché or other suitable name under control of State Department. I am satisfied that the modifications asked for will be waived if Department insists upon its program as first outlined.