HA–28. Telegram from the Ambassador in Haiti (Newbegin) to the Department of State1
163. As reported Embassy telegram 161, Foreign Minister in meeting attended by all Latin American Chiefs of Mission accredited Haiti read note requesting their support general moratorium on Latin American debt to U.S.2 I had had no previous intimation anything this nature contemplated and it came as complete surprise. I stated in course meeting that it appeared to me question this nature should be treated by individual governments with U.S. since these are related to bilateral and not multilateral arrangements. I indicated further that conditions varies as regards individual countries. I pointed out that since I had had no prior advice of nature of meeting I could not speak officially for my government but felt it incumbent at least make above observations. While it might be normal for Haitian Government endeavor get support from sister republics in direct negotiations, procedure this morning is unprecedented as far as I am aware, even for Haiti. Other than my remarks no Chief of Mission made any comment whatsoever except Mexican Ambassador as ranking member group, who merely [Typeset Page 797] stated those present would transmit note under reference to their governments.
I expect see Minister Finance this afternoon on unrelated matter but shall endeavor let him know this type of procedure hardly conducive to sympathetic understanding to Haiti’s problem as far as U.S. Government agencies concerned.