840.48 Refugees/1294
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Haiti (Mayer)
Sir: Reference is made to the Department’s telegram number 2, of January 7, 3 p.m.
Your telegram number 2 of January 4, 1 p.m. has been taken up with the President and we are in full agreement that efforts of the character discussed should be discouraged.
I cannot believe that any attempt to settle 50,000 German refugees in Haiti would ever have a successful outcome because of the fundamental differences in race, standard of living, culture, and customs [Page 66] between the prospective immigrants and the Haitian people themselves. In my opinion, even if the colony were started, it would only be a few years before very serious friction would arise between the refugees and the Haitian authorities and people. The other possibilities pointed out in your telegram are, of course, likewise of very great importance.
Very truly yours,