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THE COUNSELOR FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON
October 28, 1914.
Dear Mr. President:
In view of our conversation this noon relative to Haiti, it seemed to me of first importance that the naval force in Haitian waters should be at once increased, not only for the purpose of protecting foreign interests, but also as evidence of the earnest intention of this Government to settle the unsatisfactory state of affairs which exists. We have one vessel now at Cape Haitien and two others are needed on the south coast, one at Port an Prince and the other at Gonaives.
In the absence of Secretary Daniels and Assistant Secretary Roosevelt I took up the matter with Admiral Fiske, who thinks one vessel can be spared from
Dominican
The President, The White House.
155598
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waters, and with him I agree. As to the other vessel necessary, the Admiral suggests that one of the warships now at Vera Cruz might be ordered to Haiti. In view of the urgent need increaing our force on the south coast at this time when a renewal of negotiations seems probable, will you please advise me whether or not I can say to Admiral Fiske that you approve of sending a battleship from Vera Cruz to Port au Prince?
Very sincerely yours, Robert Lansing
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THE COUNSELOR FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE WASHINGTON
October 29, 1914.
Dear Mr. President: I enclose herewith the substance of a telegram which has just been received by Mr. R. L. Farnham of the National City Bank, New York, which he telephoned to this Department.
I do not think that this should affect in any way the plan to send two warships to the south coast of Haiti, except to make every endeavor to have them reach there as soon as possible. It may be necessary to change the present plan of negotiation in view of the departure of President Zamor, but until we receive more definite information, I see no reason why we should not prepare along the lines of the Dominican settlement.
I
The President, The White House.
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