File No. 837.156/199
Chargé Scholle to the Secretary of State
Habana , October 19, 1915, 11 p.m.
Called on the President unofficially and urgently requested his acceptance of Department’s suggestion to postpone Ports Company case set for 21st. He said that he had referred matter to the Secretary of Justice and would have his private secretary write me as to the result of decision. Said note, received this evening, sets forth that the President believes that he must insist on the trial of the case being expedited as he desires an impartial decision as to the value and justice of his decree. He further says that if the court decides in favor of the Government, as he hopes, it will not influence in the slightest degree his intention to harmonize the interests of the State with the legitimate interests involved in the Ports Company transaction.
British Minister has instructions to support any action the Department may consider advisable. Awaiting instructions.