839.51/4384

The Minister in the Dominican Republic (Schoenfeld) to the Secretary of State

No. 3300

Sir: Referring to the Legation’s despatch No. 3291 of May 653 and previous despatches in regard to the enactment by the Dominican Congress of Law No. 1096 of April 29 last concerning the floating debt of the Government, I have the honor to enclose a clipping, with translation,53 from the local newspaper Listin Diario of this morning containing an official notice signed by the National Treasurer and dated yesterday, calling upon all creditors of the State, whether their claims have been previously approved or not, to present new claims within a period of 180 days, accompanied by all supporting documents.

It will be observed that the notice declares that claims presented after the termination of the period of 180 days will not be admitted.

With respect to the requirement regarding the submission of all supporting documents, it is to be anticipated that this will be one of the several difficulties attaching to the operation of the new law. It is understood that creditors have been obliged to present such documents in support of their claims previously presented and, although [Page 462] many of these creditors no doubt have copies of such documents, the difficulties in the matter are apparent. The local manager of the West India Oil Company, an American concern and the largest creditor, with a claim reported to amount to between $180,000 and $230,000, depending upon the adjustment of interest, alluded to this aspect of the law with considerable apprehension in a recent conversation with the American Minister, as his company had already surrendered the signed receipts for gasoline and oil forming the basis of its claim.

Respectfully yours,

For the Minister:
James W. Gantenbein

Secretary of Legation
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