838.51/1321: Telegram

The High Commissioner in Haiti (Russell) to the Secretary of State

86. Department’s 56, July 18, 4 p.m. The attitude and spirit shown by President Borno since his inauguration has been to work in thorough accord with the United States Government, have resulted [sic] in carrying out of the treaty. This attitude on his part has established a frank and loyal cooperation that has never before existed between the two Governments. It is my opinion that to inform him, at this time, of the Financial Adviser’s views as set forth in paragraph 5 of the above-mentioned telegram might materially change his present attitude and undo much of the work that I have done toward gaining his confidence and bringing about a friendly spirit. It is therefore recommended that the question of the recapitalization of the internal bonds be left open until the appointment of the new Financial Adviser. Realizing the fact that, as already stated, the maintenance of the cordial relations that have been established together with the desire of the President to meet me more than half way and to conduct his Government in accordance with most beneficial and economical methods, I feel that the Department when made cognizant of these facts would be implicating [sic] me and I accordingly refrain from informing the Haitian Government regarding that part of the Department’s telegram contained in paragraph 5.

Russell