838.51/4078: Telegram
The Chargé in Haiti (Sparks) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:35 p.m.]
176. At the request of President Vincent the Cabinet resigned this morning.
The Minister of Finance informs the Fiscal Representative that the crisis resulted from a disagreement over the reply which President Vincent made yesterday to the Department’s telegram No. 160, October 5, 1 p.m., the Cabinet having taken the position that something constructive must be done in view of the unalterable conviction of the American Government on communal revenues. President Vincent is reported to have reproached the Cabinet for even suggesting an agreement since they knew that the communal funds are absolutely necessary for the forthcoming elections. He was particularly bitter against Laleau and criticized his actions at Habana and elsewhere.
The Minister of Finance is reported to have added that the drastic salary reductions cannot work and that the Government employees are dissatisfied but that the President does not understand.