838.00/1810

The Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Navy (Denby)

My Dear Mr. Secretary: I am advised that Brigadier General George Richards, Paymaster of the United States Marine Corps, is proceeding shortly to Haiti for a stay of some weeks in connection with his duties as Paymaster. It has occurred to me that it would be very useful to this Department if General Richards were instructed to make a report for the confidential information of the Department of State and of the Navy Department on the present aspects of the Haitian situation, more particularly, the political aspects. I believe that the information which he will obtain on matters of interest to this Department during his approaching visit to Haiti, will be of considerable value.

If my suggestion is agreeable to you, I should be glad if the necessary instructions could be given to General Richards to prepare such a confidential report.17

Believe me [etc.]

Charles E. Hughes
  1. By a personal note of Nov. 16, the Secretary of the Navy informed the Secretary of State that General Richards had been instructed as desired.