File No. 839.00/1778.
Minister Russell to the Secretary of State.
Santo Domingo, November 30, 1915.
Sir: I have the honor to call to your attention the practice of the Dominican Government in transporting to Porto Rico not only undesirable revolutionists, but also men charged with common crimes.
I particularly refer to the bandits who attacked revenue cutter No. 3 some months ago, shooting and very seriously wounding the Captain, J. F. Neilsen. The names of these bandits are Emiliano Rojas, Julio Bonetti and Ramón Batista. The Government assured Mr. Johnson that these men would not be given “safe conduct”, but would be prosecuted, yet, in spite of this assurance, “safe conducts” were given to all three, and they were shipped to Porto Rico.
Juan Calcaño, who attacked and looted the customhouse at La Romana, was also sent to Porto Rico with a “safe conduct.”
I have brought this matter to the attention of the Government, but no action has been taken as yet to punish these men for the crimes they have committed. A revolution was in progress at the time, and these men, although operating in the name of the revolution, were in reality nothing more than marauding bandits.
[Page 297]I suggest that the Porto Rican authorities keep a strict watch on the men in question so that they could be easily found, if any action is taken here looking to their punishment.
I have [etc.]