838.00/2615a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the High Commissioner in Haiti (Russell)
59. The Department is extremely reluctant to increase the strength of the Marine Brigade unless such action is absolutely necessary. It feels that the sending of additional forces would give rise to sensational reports regarding the Haitian situation and would be given an unfortunate interpretation in view of the approaching election. It would much prefer that Americans in places where protection cannot be afforded should be withdrawn to Port-au-Prince or Cape Haitien if they are in imminent personal danger. The Department is prepared to ask the Navy Department to send marines to Guantanamo to be held in readiness in case of emergency, if you consider such action necessary. Please cable your views in full and keep the Department informed in detail regarding the situation.