838.51/3287: Telegram
The Minister in Haiti (Gordon) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:15 p.m.]
5. Department’s telegram No. 5, March 6, 1 p.m., refers to alleged letters from Leger, making it clear that for a refunding loan Haiti would permit customs control by the bankers (see also my despatches Nos. 434 and 439 of March 8 and 9, respectively10).
I am now informed that in conversations this week between Leger and the fiscal representative,11 the former stated categorically that [Page 528] the Haitian Government would not grant such customs control. The fiscal representative pointed out that if Darnet is representing in New York that the Haitian Government will grant such customs control, and the Government is determined not to do so, a situation will eventually be precipitated where Haitian credit is likely to suffer. Leger agreed but insisted that on the present occasion Schroder could not have received any such false impression from Darnet as he (Leger) had been careful to tell Darnet specifically that the Haitian Government would not assign customs control.
It seems to me that it would clarify matters and help bring them to a head if the Department would authorize me to tell Leger that I have been informed that although the Haitian Government is not prepared to grant customs control for a refunding loan, in New York, Darnet is representing that the Haitian Government is prepared to do so; also, at the same time I think it would also be helpful to point out that Leger is in error in believing and stating that the Department has affirmatively stated that it has no objection to this new loan proposition and that it is friendly thereto.
The Department’s instructions will be appreciated.