File No. 711.38/49a.
The Secretary of State to Lieutenant Oberlin, in Charge of Legation.
Washington, November 5, 1915—6 p.m.
The Department is reliably informed that certain of the Haitian Senators, inspired by lobbyists who seek to defeat the ratification of the treaty for purely personal ends, are endeavoring to prevent action by the Haitian Senate until after the United States Senate shall meet, prior to which time it is a part of their plan to send deputations to this country to conduct a lobby here in the hope of producing a political situation in this country which will result in the withdrawal of the American marines from Haiti. In these circumstances the Department suggests that it might not be amiss for President Dartiguenave to call in his Senators, and one by one to question them directly regarding their connection with such a plan. Cable result of his investigation. Also press for immediate ratification.