611.3831/23: Telegram
The Chargé in Haiti ( Merrell ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:51 p.m.]
48. Department’s 649, August 10. It is my opinion that President Borno will not wish, before election next year, to terminate treaty with France as it would be practically essential to do in order to conclude modus vivendi set forth in Department’s instruction No. 649. Such termination will meet with popular opposition before December.
As President Borno has already postponed enactment of tariff law until next spring for political reasons, it does not appear that our Legation could afford to open negotiations for the modus vivendi unless Department is prepared to exert pressure. In any event it might be more practicable to start negotiations at time the tariff law is presented.