File No. 839.00/1802
[Untitled]
Santo Domingo, April 16, 1916, 8 a.m.
President firm in his purpose to name whom he chooses for office and will not submit to dictation of Arias. I had an interview with Arias yesterday and he has promised to meet Archbishop and myself this afternoon when some settlement may be accomplished. The President is making preparations to leave. If he resigns, Congress will surely elect Arias President. Everything quiet. Vidal has openly gone over to Arias who is in absolute control of the situation. [Page 222] In view of the situation I think advisable to have another war vessel in these waters. Complications will certainly arise if Arias elected.