838.5045/22: Telegram
The High Commissioner in Haiti (Russell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:20 p.m.]
107. All quiet. Garde department commander of the South reports that prominent Haitian citizens at Aux Cayes with whom he has talked were unanimous that the action of the marines in dispersing the mob saved the city from loot. He further reports that people in the country around Aux Cayes have been stirred up by agitators of Port-au-Prince with agents at Aux Cayes. After starting the strike these agitators worked with the country people, using the tax on alcohol and tobacco to incite the people, into whose minds also came the definite idea of looting Aux Cayes. It is hoped that the people of hereby [nearby?] section have been taught a lesson but it is too early to state definitely. Reporting officer also states that dislike of the intervention is confined to the higher classes who feel that they may gain by our leaving. To country people the blacks like us [sic]. These agitators for purposes of their own started a strike and unleashed a mob at Aux Cayes with the drastic result.
[Page 202]Brigade commander reports to me that reports from northern Haiti indicate agitators have been working with the country people for the past two months telling them that the entire country was in revolt, the Government about to fall as there were too few Americans in Haiti to prevent it and that they had orders not to take drastic action.
Commanding officer of marines at Cape Haitien has requested an increase of his strength by at least one officer and 50 enlisted. Brigade commander states he cannot spare men from Port-au-Prince.
From reports received from other sources I feel that the Haitian reporting the situation to the brigade commander has exaggerated it and that reenforcement at Cape Haitien is not necessary at present. The garde and marine force now at Cape Haitien is able to handle any situation that might arise at that place. My only concern is about the country in the neighborhood of Fort Liberty and Letrou. I am having the brigade commander send his chief of staff to Cape Haitien tomorrow by plane to investigate conditions.
Chief of police, Port-au-Prince, has obtained information that since the publication of the Department’s action in congratulating President Borno the political agitators are now striving to work up a hatred of the intervention. They do not intend, if they can help it, to allow any bloodshed and their propaganda will be among the peasants in the South. …