[Enclosure]
Memorandum of a Conversation With the
Haitian Minister in the Dominican Republic (Dejean)
[
Santo Domingo
,]
November 29,
1926
.
The Minister said that when he was appointed to this post he was
of the opinion that there was little possibility of an agreement
being reached with the Dominican Government on the boundary
question unless negotiations were conducted under the auspices
of the Department, and with its constant aid and assistance;
that this opinion was based on a fear that the Dominicans would
resort to delays and obstructions, and to the belief that
President Vasquez was not sufficiently strong in his own country
to procure the necessary ratification of an agreement even
should one be reached. Recently, however, he had become much
more hopeful of an adjustment of the long-standing controversy
through direct negotiations, though he thought it would be wise
to keep Washington fully informed in order that its good offices
might be requested should occasion warrant.
The change in his opinion regarding the possibility of success
attending direct negotiations was due, he said, to his belief
that President Vasquez was now much stronger than some months
ago and could probably procure ratification by the Dominican
Senate of such agreement as might be reached, and, further, that
as a result of his investigations here he had come to the
opinion that the Dominican Government was now sincerely desirous
of reaching a solution of the question.
The first practical move, he felt, should take the form of a
visit of President Borno to Santo Domingo. There had been some
talk of two Presidents meeting at the border, but this he
thought would be unwise and not likely to be attended by any
concrete results. He felt fairly confident, however, that during
the course of a visit by President Borno to Santo Domingo, with
more time at their disposal and better facilities for their
conferences, an agreement in principle could be effected which
could be followed up at once by negotiations carried on by duly
accredited delegates and representatives.
[Page 547]
With regard to the position of his Government regarding the line
itself, he said that he thought the “American Line” would serve
as the basis of the discussion between the two Presidents, but
that certain modifications should be made which would be equally
advantageous to the two countries concerned.
He impressed me as being distinctly optimistic as regards the
possibility of effecting a settlement of the question.
