738.39/259: Telegram
The Minister in Haiti ( Mayer ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:47 p.m.]
10. My telegram No. 5, January 8, 2 p.m. and 9, January 10, 10 a.m. The President sent for me this morning and referred again to the negotiations which had been proceeding with the Dominican Republic. He stated that, through the intermediary of the Apostolic Nuncio accredited to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, an exchange of views (the President used the word “notes”) had taken place between the two Governments, and he handed me a draft of a proposed agreement which the Nuncio believes will be accepted by Trujillo and which he is taking to Trujillo tomorrow. I understand that this draft, having been prepared by him and the Nuncio on the basis of the two notes is acceptable to President Vincent. Text of draft will be forwarded by airplane tomorrow.
[Page 183]Meanwhile, the following is a summary: Preamble states that the two Governments wish to end the differences arising out of regrettable incidents of October last. The Dominican Government has already shown that it deplores the incidents, has proceeded to an official investigation and wishes to give complete satisfaction to the Haitian Government in order that the good relations between the two countries may be maintained. The Dominican Republic wishes to liquidate and end definitely all claims which the Haitian Government or Haitians may initiate against the Dominican Government. The two Governments also wish, by means of this agreement, to prevent a recurrence of these regrettable incidents.
By reason of these motives the Dominican Government expresses its regrets and renews its disapproval of the incidents, gives to the Haitian Government most complete assurances that the judicial investigation which has been initiated will be pursued efficiently and rapidly and that sanctions will be applied against those found guilty under Dominican law. The Dominican Government will satisfy the Haitian Government with regard to publicity to be given the condemnations and punishment of those found guilty in conformity with Dominican law.
The Dominican Government agrees to pay $750,000 to Haiti, $350,000 payable on signature of accord—the rest in yearly installments. The Haitian Government will use this sum according to its own judgment, in the best interests of the sufferers and their families.
The Dominican Government will legally replace all those against whom Haitians may have rights or claims as a result of the incidents, and it will collect for its own benefit all the sums which those responsible for the incidents may be condemned to pay. Haitian property owners in the Dominican Republic will be protected in their property rights. Haitians and Dominicans residing in the other country will receive reciprocal protection. Immigration between the two countries will be regulated by a special agreement to be worked up in the near future. An agreement will also be reached limiting armaments of the two countries in accordance with their need for internal security.
The agreement will be transmitted by the two Governments to their respective delegates at Washington in order that it may be submitted to the Permanent Commission. The agreement will be signed by the delegates before the Commission, and will be inserted in full in the report of the procedure of the Commission on conciliation functions.
At the President’s request, I read the text of this draft in his presence, but confined my comment only to saying that the document was “interesting.” I again took the occasion to warn the President of the dangers inherent in direct negotiations between the two countries.