File No. 839.00/1952
The Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Navy
Washington, November 27, 1916.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that after careful consideration of the situation in the Dominican Republic, the Department has come to the conclusion that the only possible solution of this serious problem will be the proclamation of military occupation and the establishment of martial law in the Republic.
Captain Knapp, Commander of the Cruiser Squadron of the Atlantic Fleet, now in Dominican waters, while in Washington conferred with this Department, under your instructions, and prepared a draft of a proclamation placing the country under military occupation. A statement of this policy was transmitted to the President, together with a copy of the draft proclamation prepared by Captain Knapp, and he has given his approval to the action as outlined and made minor changes in the draft of the proclamation.
A copy of the Department’s memoranda and the draft proclamation, together with the President’s letter of approval, are attached herewith. It is therefore requested that your Department take such action as is necessary to put into effect the policy which has been outlined.
I have [etc.]