File No. 839.51/1783
Minister Russell to the Secretary of State
Santo Domingo, August 18, 1916.
I have advised General Receiver to suspend at once all disbursements Dominican funds until a complete understanding is reached in regard to interpretation of certain articles of the Convention or until this Government is amicable. I deem this measure necessary in [Page 253] order to show seriousness of our intention. Active preparations are being made throughout the country for the election of delegates to constitutional assembly and the decree calling this assembly is clearly unconstitutional. As we are to insist on our interpretation of the Convention as to control and constabulary, advisable to formulate all other reforms we consider necessary other than those outlined in your No. 139 of September 17, 1915, and some proposal in regard to Samaná Bay, and it is also absolutely essential to the progress of the Republic that some safe land title law be enacted.