838.51/4123
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Haiti (Sparks)
Sir: Reference is made to the Legation’s despatch no. 1047 dated October 7, 1940, with which there was transmitted inter alia the request of the Haitian Government54 regarding a reduction in the rate of interest on the $5,000,000 credit granted by the Export-Import Bank to assist in a program of public works undertaken by the Haitian Government.
There are enclosed for the information and files of the Legation two copies of a letter dated December 14, 1940, addressed to the Secretary of State by the President of the Export-Import Bank of Washington55 indicating that the Executive Committee of the Bank has agreed to accept interest at the rate of four per cent (4%) per annum accruing subsequent to July 15, 1940. You are requested to send a note to [Page 923] the Foreign Office transmitting this information to the Haitian Government, with an appropriate expression of the willingness of this Government to give its assistance, whenever possible, in the solution of the economic difficulties with which the Haitian Government and people are unfortunately confronted.
You are also requested to inform the Office of the Fiscal Representative regarding the decision of the Export-Import Bank.
Very truly yours,