Mr. Powell to Mr.
Hay.
American Legation,
Port an
Prince, August 8,
1904.
No. 1488.]
Sir: I have the honor to state to the
Department that the bill in regard to the Syrians, passed by the
legislative branch of the Government last year, has received the
signature of the President on August 1, and is therefore a law, a copy
of which was forwarded to the Department in dispatch No. 1434, of June
15.
The law forbids the emigration of Syrians to this Republic and refuses to
allow them to become citizens, and those that are such takes this right
from them after a certain date; also denies to them to do business on
certain lines in the Republic; strictly forbids all traveling to sell
goods in the interior and gives to them a certain length of time to
dispose of their goods—that is, those in business—and leave the
country.
As soon as it was known that the President had signed this bill making it
a law, disturbances broke out in several sections of the Republic,
whereby many of these people were injured, their stores in many
instances being pillaged by the soldiers, and, in some cases, several
were seriously injured by stones or beaten with sticks.
At a recent interview (August 4) with the President he informed me that
he had signed the bill, as he had been informed that these people were
the enemies of the present Government, were aiding his foes, and had
secreted large quantities of the national metallic currency (silver) and
were exporting it, so he thought it was best to sign this bill so as to
be rid of them.
I informed him that I was very sorry to hear this as I thought he had
been misinformed, and that this measure would lead to considerable
difficulties with countries with whom they were now in friendly
relations.
I have the honor to inclose copy of a letter which I have sent to the
minister of foreign relations in regard to this class that are American
citizens by naturalization.
I have, etc.,
[Page 396]
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Powell to
Mr. Férère.
American Legation,
Port au
Prince, August 8,
1904.
Sir: I have been informed that the law
passed by the legislative branch of your excellency’s Government in
regard to the Syrians, has received the signature of his excellency,
General Nord.
I regret very much that such is the case, as I fear in the
enforcement of this law your excellency’s Government will experience
considerable difficulty.
A large number of these people are American citizens through
naturalization; all such persons are under our protection and must
be considered as American citizens, and as such they are entitled to
all the rights in business as Haitian citizens as long as the
present treaty remains in force. I must therefore inform your
excellency that my Government can not permit this class of its
citizens to receive any different treatment than your excellency’s
Government accords to other American citizens.
I understand that your excellency’s Government states that many of
this class have been giving aid to the enemies of the Government and
conspiring against it. I request that before your excellency takes
forcible measures in regard to anyone who may be so informed against
and who may be an American citizen, your excellency will furnish our
legation with the facts, so that we may ascertain whether your
excellency has been correctly informed or not. I think your
excellency will find that serious trouble will be obviated.
My Government believes that among the vital duties of the State is to
protect and defend itself against its enemies. In accordance with
this knowledge this legation will at no time give its protection to
one who conspires or gives aid or comfort to the enemies of the
State.
I have written thus to your excellency that you may know the position
my Government occupies in regard to the enforcement of the present
law.
I have, etc.,
