638.5131/70: Telegram
The Chargé in Haiti (Chapin) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4 p.m.]
54. My telegram No. 53, July 1, 1 p.m. President states that according to advices just received from Haitian Minister at Paris, French Foreign Office has unofficially suggested that old treaty and avenant might be extended for a year from its expiration on following bases: unofficial agreement that gold service of 1910 loan will form subject of separate discussion between two Governments concerned; Haitian coffee exporters to give gentlemen’s agreement to give at least 50 per cent of ocean freight to French steamship companies, and to purchase from France at least 50 per cent of coffee sacks used for coffee exports to France. Although telegram was received several days ago it was badly garbled and had to be referred to Paris for check.
Haitian Government is inclined to accept these bases giving necessary understanding in second suggestion unofficially through proposed syndicate of coffee exporters rather than through the Government. Although suggestions did not come through French Minister here it is apparent that rumors concerning it have leaked out to local merchants.