838.2614/2–2654: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Haiti
84. From Eximbank. For your information General Edgerton sent letter1 Minister Hibbert February 24: (a) expressing satisfaction work on Artibonite progressing as planned; (b) rejecting idea of limiting Haitian contribution future years $1.5 million in light inadequacy of this figure and difficulties estimating construction and agricultural development requirements more than year in advance; (c) recognizing no financing problem exists this year in consequence unexpended balances Haitian funds; (d) expressing hope high coffee prices and exports will enable Haitian Government put aside additional funds this year over and above $2,021,000 budgeted as reserve for Artibonite; (e) suggesting Bank mission to Haiti late March to discuss Haitian Government budget figure for Artibonite for 1954–55 and suggesting present information indicates reasonable figure might be about $2.5 million.
Bank study on basis field trip last December and information received since makes it abundantly clear construction program should proceed as planned. Criticisms of project due primarily unwarranted concern Haitian financial and economic prospects. Haitian contribution $1.5 million 1954–55 and 1955–56 would result inadequate financing construction and agricultural development by early 1955–56. In light excellent export prospects and consequent high tax revenue extremely important Haitians build up reserve for Artibonite to avoid possible financing difficulties if coffee prices weaken year from now.
- No copy of this letter was found in Department of State files.↩