738.11/6–254

Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs (Holland) to the Secretary of State 1

confidential

Subject:

  • Recommendation that President Magloire of Haiti be invited to visit the United States

Discussion:

On May 29, during your brief absence, Mr. Murphy sent the attached recommendation to President Eisenhower (Tab A)2 that President Magloire of Haiti be invited to visit the United States.

The visit was recommended because it would demonstrate the importance we attribute to friendly relations with a very small and poor country, particularly at this time when discussions are taking place with respect to possible action against Guatemala.

Although we have not wished to make this question one of color, it is of interest that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has repeatedly urged that an invitation be extended to the President of Haiti.

It is understood informally from the White House that President Eisenhower wishes to discuss this with you before making a decision.

Recommendation:

That, if you agree, you recommend to President Eisenhower that this invitation be extended.3

  1. Drafted by Deputy Assistant Secretary Woodward.
  2. In the referenced memorandum, dated May 28, 1954, Mr. Murphy, on the recommendation of ARA, proposed a 3-day state visit for President Magloire in September 1954, but in a memorandum for the Secretary, dated May 31, 1954, President Eisenhower expressed regret at the number of state visits already planned for 1954 (738.11/6–954).
  3. In a memorandum for the President, dated June 9, 1954, Secretary Dulles recommended, in view of the President’s feelings in the matter, that President Magloire’s visit be put forward to January 1955 (738.11/6–954). Department telegram 121, to Port-au-Prince, dated June 22, 1954, informed the Embassy that President Eisenhower approved the extension of an invitation to President Magloire to visit the United States in January 1955 (738.11/6–2254).