638.5131/51: Telegram
The Chargé in Haiti (Chapin) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:44 p.m.]
41. Referring to Department’s telegram No. 19, May 23, 6 p.m., following telegram has been received from American Embassy at Paris.
“May 25, 2 p.m. From Armour.37 Referring De la Rue’s telegram, I have seen French Foreign Office which confirms desire French Government settlement 1910 loan question. I referred to Welles’ talk with French Ambassador and urged reconsideration with view to most lenient terms possible keeping within principles avenant. I received impression demands due to political pressure here and that French Government must have something to show.”
De la Rue’s telegram was personal and briefly set forth French demands and requested unofficial inquiry.
De la Rue replied today saying that Haitian Government could not accept French demands, reference 1910 loan, as it had no money and did not admit claim but was anxious to negotiate commercial treaty based on principal points avenant.
Minister for Foreign Affairs shares de la Rue’s belief that French Government is using Haiti as a test case to attack Montevideo commercial treaty principles.
- Mr. Armour was then in Paris on leave.↩