File No. 838.00/1014.
Minister Blanchard to the Secretary of State.
Port au Prince, November 3, 1914.
The French Minister called on the part of Charles Zamor and Delancourt, ex-acting Minister of the Interior, who are refugees at his Legation, to request, if possible, their removal to the Hancock, to remain there until transferred to first south-bound steamer. After a conference with Commander Willard as to right of asylum, I informed French Minister, as I had intimated to him, that this was not possible under our regulations. Although refugees safe in his Legation, the Minister, in view of their importance and great number, fearing possibility of mob attack, requested a means of calling for assistance from our Legation in case we only [sic] expected to have a war vessel here. Commander Willard approving, a detail of signalmen at my request were installed last night at the French Legation for that purpose. Our Legation in wireless communication with the Hancock. Trust that Department will approve of this action.