File No. 763.72/10781
The Haitian Minister ( Ménos) to the Secretary of State
Mr. Secretary of State: I have the honor to announce officially to Your Excellency that the Council of State of the Republic of Haiti, exercising the legislative power by virtue of the Constitution in force, has declared, on the report of the Executive branch, that a state of war exists between the Republic of Haiti and the Empire of Germany as from July 12 instant.
This decision, called forth by the aggressive and offensive attitude of the Imperial German Government toward the Haitian Nation, [Page 709] implies at the same time a full indorsement by my Government of the noble views which the President of the United States expressed, notably in his memorable address of July 4.1
I take pleasure [etc.]