File No. 711.38/81a
The Secretary of State to Minister Blanchard
Washington, May 11, 1916, 4 p.m.
Question of commission charged by National Bank on sixty million franc loan ninteen ten is only point on which Commissioners and Bankers cannot agree. Pursuant to instructions from Paris, Bankers definitively decline to consider further concession or to reopen incident deemed closed in nineteen twelve. In view importance immediate settlement, you may apprise President of Department’s opinion that Commission should be instructed to agree with Bankers and immediately close entire question. Your May 2, midnight. Upon conclusion this matter and of negotiations with National Railroad now under way it is believed that Commission might return to Haiti.