839.51/2425: Telegram
The Commissioner in the Dominican Republic (Welles) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 19—9:14 p.m.]
31. Department’s 15, May 14 [15], 10 [6] p.m. During my absence from Santo Domingo, [and] due to the serious illness of the Provisional President or for some other reason, the settlement of the Water, Light and Power Company case with which the issuance of the $2,000,000 of bonds is connected was not pressed. It was always my desire to have both of these matters handled by the Provisional Government prior to the installation of the National Congress. The Congress is now in session and should the Provisional President attempt to take the necessary action at the present; time, although he is entitled to do so by the terms of the Plan of Evacuation, a break would at once occur between the Provisional Government and the Congress which it is essential to avoid. General Vasquez is entirely in accord with the settlement of the Water, Light and Power Company case on the basis proposed by the Director of Public Works and the issuance of the $2,000,000 of bonds immediately after the installation of the Constitutional Government. Both of these questions I believe could be agreed upon in advance of the installation of the Constitutional Government during the course of General Vasquez’ intended visit to Washington. Should it be possible for Mr. McCormick Blair to postpone his departure until after the arrival in Washington of General Vasquez I believe it to be highly desirable.