File No. 838.00/1028.
Minister Blanchard to the Secretary of State.
Port au Prince, November 18, 1914.
Had an interview this evening by appointment with President Theodore at which Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chief of Protocol and later Minister of the Interior were present. Complied with your instructions of November 12, 2 p.m. and November 16, 11 a.m. The President seems quite disposed to appointment of commission but insists in such case on recognition, not as Provisional President but as President, having been, as stated in my November 13, 3 p.m., regularly elected by the National Assembly in accordance with Haitian Constitution. His views emphatically sustained by members of Cabinet present. Under these circumstances strongly recommend granting recognition as President upon appointment of commission as outlined. Respectfully submit advisability early favorable opinion to avail of their present seemingly good disposition.