611.3831/22
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Haiti (Merrell)
Sir: Reference is made to the Legation’s despatch, High Commissioner’s Series No. 608, of July 17, 1925.4 The Department wishes you to open negotiations for the conclusion of a commercial modus vivendi with Haiti, to be followed by a general treaty of friendship, commerce and consular rights, reciprocally providing for unconditional most-favored-nation treatment. Upon assurance of a reply in like terms you may address the following note to the Minister for Foreign Affairs:
[Here follows text of note which is the same as that of the note exchanged July 8, 1926, printed on page 403, except for changes made in accordance with Department’s instruction No. 692, June 29, 1926, printed on page 403.]
The above text is essentially the same as the text of modi vivendi recently concluded with nine American and European countries. The Department would prefer immediate effectiveness, but the stipulated delay of six months in the going into effect of the agreement would enable Haiti to terminate its treaty with France if desired.5 The exception of Cuba and American dependencies from the operation of the proposed agreement is necessary because of the exclusive treaty with the former and the statutory requirements in regard to the latter. Should Haiti desire exception of a neighboring country, the Department would be prepared to consider the same.
The Department would welcome the conclusion by Haiti of an unconditional most-favored-nation agreement with France. Confidentially, the Department would not object if Haiti found it necessary to grant to France general most-favored-nation treatment in return for the lowest French duties on coffee or on coffee and other specified Haitian products.
I am [etc.]