File No. 711.38/48.
[Untitled]
Washington, November 8, 1915—5 p.m.
The Department regrets that the Senate committee failed to recommend ratification of the treaty as signed and that it has proposed certain modifications regarding the Financial Adviser, particularly in view of the manifest desire of the people of Haiti that the treaty be ratified without delay, so as to secure, with the assistance of the United States, conditions of peace and prosperity. Inasmuch as President Dartiguenave is assured of a majority in favor of ratification without modification, it would seem as if the time had come to press for a vote by the Senate.
As to President Dartiguenave’s suggestion regarding a note, which it is presumed he requires to increase majority vote in the Senate, the Department believes that the ends sought by the President might be obtained by the Haitian Government transmitting to the Legation a copy of the committee’s report when published, and inquiring whether this Government would be prepared to entertain the proposed modifications; to which the Legation should answer to the effect that this Government earnestly believed that the interests of Haiti would best be served by the prompt ratification of the treaty as signed, and that this Government counted upon the earnest effort of the Government of Haiti to obtain favorable action by the Senate.