File No. 838.00/1008.
Minister Blanchard to the Secretary of State.
Port au Prince, October 30, 1914.
Immediately on receipt of your October 29, I had an interview with Charles Zamor who has left Dominican Legation and is now with four other Ministers, refugees at the French Legation. After a consultation with his supporters he stated that as far as he was concerned it was too late; conditions were now entirely changed. Abandoning hope of aid from the Government of the United States in the present revolution the President had resigned and was on board Dutch vessel which leaves tonight and he was unable to communicate with him; troops were disbanded and had possibly joined the revolution. He thought that armed intervention alone from the Government of the United States could save the country from anarchy. He finally stated that he would remain here until the next steamer if I promised escort to protect him on leaving, which I did. Other refugees undecided as to the possibility of leaving tonight. Considerable firing yesterday and last night and still continues. Await arrival Hancock to confer with the Commanding Officer as to landing and taking charge of city. Theodore reported en route Port au Prince via Gonaives. Consular Agent at Gonaives again urgently requests gunboat for the protection of town.