738.3915/228
The Secretary of State to the Minister in the Dominican Republic (W. W. Russell)
Sir: There is transmitted herewith, for your information and for the information of Mr. Welles,73 a copy of a despatch from the American High Commissioner at Port au Prince, discussing the question of the boundary between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.74 The High Commissioner has been informed that this does not appear to be an opportune time for taking up the boundary question, in view of the approaching withdrawal of the military government and the contemplated establishment of a provisional government. The Department would be very glad, however, to have your comments, and the comments of Mr. Welles, upon General Russell’s views.
[Page 438]Your opinion, is particularly desired with regard to General Russell’s recommendation that the Dominican Customs Guard be re-established on the frontier before the withdrawal of the military government. If it is possible to re-establish this force, with the approval of the Dominican political leaders with whom Mr. Welles has been in conference, the Department feels that the presence of such a force, under the control of the General Receiver, would do much to diminish the possibility of friction on the frontier after the provisional government assumes control of the Dominican police. You are requested to discuss this matter with Mr. Welles and report your views and his by telegraph.
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