838.00/2154: Telegram

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

[Paraphrase]

54. Department’s No. 37, October 1, 2 p.m. President Borno had informed me he did not intend making public statement of his reasons for deferring the elections.

I think that the issuance of a statement before October 10 along lines indicated in Department’s telegram No. 37 would have excellent effect. Accordingly, I suggested taking such action to President Borno and on morning of October 3 he informed me that he would publish statement along lines I had suggested, but no statement has appeared. If by October 8 no action has been taken, I shall again suggest advisability of issuing public statement. Any statement President Borno may make will be telegraphed to the Department.

Russell