File No. 838.77/154
Minister Blanchard to the Secretary of State
Port au Prince, January 11, 1917, 11 a.m.
Your January 2, 5 p.m. Owing to errors in cipher as received and delay in securing correct repetition just this morning able to consult with Ruan. After full discussion with him submit following:
In the event of Ruan as a representative of Haitian Government treating with representative of railroad company unable to come to agreement there would exist necessity for third arbitrator or umpire. In view of this it is suggested that Haitian Government designate a representative other than Ruan to treat with the representative of railroad company and that Ruan act as umpire to decide all points upon which the two representatives may be unable to agree, his decision to be final. Shall I approach the Government on this basis?