711.38/316
The Chargé in Haiti (Bacon) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 8.]
Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department that President Vincent told me yesterday that the position of the Haitian Government, now that war has broken out in Europe, is exactly as he outlined it in chapter five of his book, Imposant les Jalons. A copy of this entire chapter, with translation and comments, was submitted to the Department by this Legation with despatch No. 564, dated July 5, 1939.
President Vincent went on further to say that although he realized that the question of a Mutual Assistance Pact with the United States was closed for the time being, he still hoped, under the present circumstances, [Page 646] that the United States Government would find it possible to establish a small air base in Haiti which might be used as a stopover point for planes flying between the United States and Puerto Rico. I replied to the President that I thought this matter had been completely discussed and dropped for the time being, but I would be glad to convey his views to the Department in view of the European developments at this time.
President Vincent also reiterated his desire to cooperate in any way possible with the United States Government in any eventuality.
Respectfully yours,