838.00/2380: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Haiti (Gross)
66. Your 100, August 29, 6 p.m. Regarding amendment 6 to Article 72 the President seems to have been given the wrong impression of the Department’s views. The Department has at no time suggested that the office of Vice-President be created nor has it objected to an amendment changing the term of office of the President to 6 years provided he is not eligible to succeed himself. On the contrary the Department in its No. 60 of August 16 suggested a new and satisfactory text extending the term of office to 6 years. However, should President Borno prefer to retain Article 72 without amendment the Department will not object. The Department does not share the President’s views concerning the dangers of the present provisions governing succession in case of a vacancy.
Regarding amendment 8 to Article 89 the Department wishes you to urge very strongly on the President the advisability of retaining the suggested term of 10 years for judges of the Court of Cassation and of 7 years for other judges. You have not mentioned Department’s suggestion that the number of judges of the Court of Cassation be reduced. Has the President given this suggestion his consideration?