File No. 838.00/1005a.
The Acting Secretary of State to Minister Blanchard.
Washington, October 29, 1914.
Transport Hancock with eight hundred marines has been ordered to proceed to Port au Prince immediately with orders to land men at your request. Hancock is due at Port au Prince evening of October 30. Battleship Kansas from Mexican waters has also been ordered to Port au Prince.
Department is contemplating convention along the lines of its instruction of July 2. At the same time it is desired to reach agreement for a fair election to be held within a specified time similar to Department’s action in Dominican Republic.
Department feels it advisable to negotiate with Zamor brothers and, if President Zamor has already left the country, wishes every protection afforded to Charles Zamor, now reported refugee in Consulate.
Upon arrival of the Hancock you will at your discretion request commanding officer to take charge of Port au Prince and will restore Charles Zamor to his Cabinet functions.