Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 7, 1915

File No. 838.00/1244.

The Acting Secretary of Navy to the Secretary of State.

Navy Department,
Washington, August 9, 1915.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of August 6, 1915⁸ in which you requested, by the instruction of the President, that a sufficient force absolutely to control the city of Port au Prince and the country immediately about it from which it draws its food supply be despatched immediately to the island.

Admiral Caperton now has at his disposal a force of about 1,100 men on shore. An additional force of about 850 marines will be sent at the earliest possible moment. Admiral Caperton has been informed that he is expected to absolutely control the city of Port au Prince and the country immediately about it from which it draws its food supply.

Very sincerely yours,

W. S. Benson.

8. Not printed.