838.011/129

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Haiti (Munro)

No. 218

Sir: The Department has received your despatch No. 455, of July 25, 1932, in which you state that the new Constitution of Haiti, including the reference in Article I to Navassa Island as Haitian territory, has been promulgated and published and you, therefore, [Page 707] recommend that you be instructed to make a formal reservation of the rights of the United States with respect to that island, setting forth the facts outlined in the Department’s instruction No. 207, of July 5, 1932, and stating that the island is now actually occupied by the United States for the purpose of maintaining a lighthouse thereon.

The Department authorizes you to take the action mentioned.

Very truly yours,

For the Secretary of State:
Francis White