File No. 711.38/25.
Chargé Davis to the Secretary of State.
Port au Prince, August 25, 1915—6 p.m.
Yesterday in an unofficial talk with the Minister of Public Instruction he said that the convention submitted was altogether satisfactory and could be signed provided the United States would agree to the change of a few details which in no way affected the basic principles involved. Later Deputy Cham, the most intimate friend of the President-elect, confirmed this and suggested that I talk with the President privately and unofficially. I agreed and last night had talk with the President. He corroborated information already received and seemed most sincere both in his desire to conclude treaty as soon as possible and belief that such an agreement would be had. I told him that while I was not authorized to sign any treaty other than the one submitted I would not object to forwarding to Washington his desired changes, should they prove to be as I had been led to believe. He promised me to notify me of the exact changes desired at the first possible moment and has just informed me that he expects to be able to do so to-morrow.
Unreliable political enemies of the Haitian Government are attempting to stir up animosity against Government and American intervention and chances for successful negotiations greatly increased if we take no steps, other than those which are a military necessity for preservation of peace and order, which would arouse public opinion and consequently make ratification more difficult to secure. On receipt, will telegraph desired alterations for Department’s consideration.