838.011/11–2046: Telegram

The Ambassador in Haiti ( Tittmann ) to the Secretary of State

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500. ReEmbtel 497, November 18.55 Constituent Assembly yesterday voted articles 5 through 21 of Committee’s report on constitution after making following changes:

Article 10 amended to permit a foreigner to own more than one residential dwelling although not more than one in each locality.

Article 17 formerly 15 amended by substituting “diriger” for verb “entreprendre”, stated to be necessary in order that Americans investing capital in Haiti may be able to control investment through Haitian manager which they may select. As it now stands, this article declares that only Haitians of origin may engage in retail trade and become managers of small industries and devote themselves to other activities as defined therein.

Article 21, dealing with freedom of worship, was finally voted without modification as recommended by Committee but only after heated debate.

Assembly today proceeded to vote articles 22 through 99 without material modification.

Tittmann
  1. Not printed, but see footnote 54, above.