838.516/282: Telegram

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

42. With reference to the Department’s telegram[s] No. 21, April 28, 3 p.m. and 25, May 7, 5 p.m. I sent to the Department yesterday by air mail under cover of a personal letter to Wilson72 new drafts prepared by the Haitian Government of letters “A” and “B” (“A” the letter to be referred to in the treaty; “B” the definitive letter comprising unilateral declaration of the Haitian Government). There is also enclosed (document “C”) a draft treaty prepared by the Haitian Government.

[Page 356]

The sales contract and law of sanction are now virtually ready for signature but the President desires to discuss the questions from all its angles with individual Senators and Deputies before presenting it formally to the Legislature which will probably be done next Monday, May 14.

When he presents the contract he would like to have it accompanied unofficially and for background purposes only by the two letters and draft treaty in order that the Legislature may have the plan in its entirety before it when it considers the contract.

The President would not wish to do this however until being assured that we are in virtual agreement on the terms of both letters and if possible on the text of the treaty as well. Both De la Rue and I feel that letters “A” and “B” as now drafted (the Haitian Government has followed closely the points set forth in the Department’s telegrams 21 and 25) are satisfactory; the only change we have suggested being the raising of the percentage allowed the bank for expenses in the financial administration from 2 per cent to 3 per cent (see letter “A” page 2 paragraph 2).

In order to expedite matters, I hope that the Department will telegraph (by cable) as soon as conveniently possible any comment or changes it desires made together with its views as to the proposed procedure. Personally, I feel that it is most important that the Legislature have the entire plan before it in considering the contract.

In general, things are progressing as satisfactorily as could be expected.

Armour
  1. Letter dated May 10, 1934, not printed. There are no enclosures attached to the original in the Department files.