838.5045/17: Telegram
The High Commissioner in Haiti (Russell) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 10—6:30 a.m.]
104. Situation here problematical. Cities now controlled and it is believed this condition can be maintained. The next two weeks should indicate how far agitation has extended to the interior and whether or not rumor regarding importation of arms is true.
With present strength able to control situation unless unrest should develop in the interior. It is therefore recommended that Wright be diverted and marines held at Guantanamo with transportation subject to my orders.
It is further suggested that Galveston remain in Haitian waters subject to my orders.
In view of the small effective strength of the force now in Haiti I am requesting the Marine Corps to immediately increase the defensive strength of the first brigade by one hundred Thompson sub machine guns.