File No. 711.38/22c.
The Secretary of State to Chargé Davis .
Washington , August 18, 1915—5 p.m.
Department’s telegram to you August 10, midnight [noon]4 and that was delivered to you through the Navy, 9:40 a.m. August 15, should make perfectly clear to you the treaty which the United States deems necessary for maintenance of domestic peace in Haiti. The Department expects prompt ratification by Haiti of this treaty, powers to conclude which were cabled you August 14.
As soon after ratification as possible, the Department contemplates using its unofficial good offices to obtain immediate renewal of railroad construction so as to furnish means of livelihood for some of the large number of unemployed throughout the country.
Meanwhile and in order to provide sustenance for starving natives and to bring in marauders who constitute a grave public menace, it is desired that you confer with Admiral Caperton to the end that under his direction such public works may be conducted as will relieve the urgent need for employment and cause those who now promote factional disorders and unrest to lay down their arms and desist from efforts to foment strife. Extreme care should be taken not to exceed the customary scale of wages for such employment and every safeguard should be observed to insure that each individual receive his full due and be protected absolutely from all forms of petty graft. Admiral Caperton will therefore receive instructions to take charge, if possible upon the invitation of the de facto authorities, of such customhouses as are necessary to provide the funds: (1) to employ, keep occupied, and pay the individuals in question; (2) to establish peace throughout the country; (3) to support the Dartiguenave Government.
[Page 435]To aid in the establishment of peace and in order to give the people renewed trust and confidence and to inspire them in the pursuits of industry and commerce, it is thought desirable that you confer with Archbishop Conan to the end that it be proclaimed to the natives through the clergy, and where possible by an American officer through the clergy, that they will be protected from interference in their rights to barter and sell their products and to enjoy the fruits of their labors.
- See Political Affairs.↩