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measured ten miles each way from the center of the mouth of the harbor,
the strip to run back to a point ten miles beyond the eastern
line of the harbor. This will give us the entire harbor and in the
neighborhood of ten miles of land all around it so that the harbor
could not be attacked from the land. Second, All persons residing on
the land at the time of the purchase to be permitted, upon their own
application, to become American citizens. Third, Those living on the
land purchased who do not desire to become American citizens, may
retain their citizenship in Santo Domingo and the United States Government
will purchase any land which they own, at its market value, the
price to be submitted to arbitration if it cannot be agreed upon between
the parties and the United States. Fourth, The price paid to be a subject
of negotiation between this country and Haiti, Governor Osborn to find
out what they desire and submit the sum for your consideration.

I merely submit the above suggestions as a basis for discussion.
Will submit a copy of this proposition to the Secretary of War and
the Secretary of the Navy and ask them to give you their opinion on the
subject.

If you will let me know your wishes in regard to using the PETREL,
we can have the necessary orders issued by the Navy Department at once.

In view of the disturbed condition in Mexico, I an wondering if it
might not be advisable to have another battleship or two sent into the
Gulf so that we may be prepared to bring Americans away in case of acute
disturbance. We have three battleships down there now, – two at Veracruz,
and one at Tampico. As they are battleships of the first class, they

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