438.00/229: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Haiti (Dunn)

43. For General Russell.

Your April 3, 1 p.m. Department is disposed to concur in the opinion of Judge Strong that the jurisdiction of the Claims Commission is limited to claims pending on the date of the ratification of the treaty. Please report what practical effect a decision of this nature would have upon the general program of financial reorganization. Are there any important claims originating since 1916? Cable this information at once, in order that Department may consider advisability of proposing other means for settlement of claims since 1916, if necessary. If you have not already discussed question with Haitian Government, Department prefers that you should not do so until after it has considered your report on above.

Hughes