838.51/1020: Telegram
The Military Representative in Haiti (Knapp) to the Secretary of the Navy (Daniels) and the Secretary of State
[Received November 15.]
0012. There has been nothing to report for last two days. The Receiver General requested today trial by provost court of a Haitian customs employee for theft and smuggling. Informed him approval could not be given without reference to Navy and State Departments. I am told that before the treaty, when customs were administered by naval officers of occupation, such cases were tried before provost courts; however, the advent of the treaty appears to me to change conditions. I have consulted with Russell, whose opinion substantiates mine. On the other hand, there appears to be a real danger of miscarriage of justice if tried in an Haitian court, which will demoralize the customs service, for whose administration the United States is responsible. Should such demoralization ensue, the United States will have failed to that extent, even though the fault rest with Haiti. The matter is one of policy to be settled in Washington. I request that Department of State and Navy Department confer regarding this policy and that I be instructed as soon as possible. 1500.