838.105/469
The Chargé in Haiti (Drew) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 17.]
Sir: I have the honor to refer to the Legation’s despatch No. 131, of September 20, forwarding the proposed text in French and English of an amendment to the Gendarmerie Agreement of August 24, 1916, providing for the incorporation of the Military Household of the President in the Garde d’Haiti.
In accordance with the authorization contained in the Department’s telegram No. 71 of September 29, 1 p.m., a draft of the amendment was submitted to M. Laleau for his consideration. M. Laleau has now submitted a counter-proposal containing certain minor modifications, principally one increasing the number of aides authorized under the amendment from seven to a total of nine. Copies and translations of the Haitian Government’s draft are enclosed.97 I have submitted the revised text to the Commandant of the Garde and to the Acting Financial Adviser who have both signified their approval thereof. M. Laleau proposes that the amendment to the Gendarmerie Agreement be effected by an exchange of notes rather than by a formal accord as has been the practice in previous amendments to the Gendarmerie Agreement. He stated that in view of the complete Haitianization of the Garde at an early date, he did not consider it necessary to sign an accord. I have informed M. Laleau that the opinion of the Department of State as to the legality of amending the agreement by an exchange of notes would have to be taken. The Department’s instructions on this point are respectfully requested.
The text of the note which it is proposed to address to the Foreign Office, if the Department approves of that course, is enclosed herewith,97
Respectfully yours,