File No. No. 763.72112/9761a
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Haiti ( Bailly-Blanchard )
Department is informed that an intercepted letter from a merchant in Port au Prince, dated May 29, states that German firms are paying prohibitive prices for cotton, coffee, cocoa, and other products, storing these commodities while awaiting an opportunity to ship same. The letter adds that the Germans have plenty of funds and are not afraid of being compelled to wait until the end of the war.
You are instructed to bring this matter to the attention of Brigade Commander, Chief of Gendarmerie, and General Receiver of Customs. Confer with them regarding best method of procedure to eliminate action being taken by Germans as outlined above, if the conference believes the report, and cable result of conference.
In above connection would you consider it advisable that the British and French diplomatic representatives should be asked to cooperate, or should simply be informed of the action to be taken and requested to assist with whatever information they might have or acquire?