838.51/3935a
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Haiti (Mayer)
Sir: Mr. Sidney de la Rue, the Fiscal Representative at Port-au-Prince, has requested the Department to give consideration in the near future to an increase in the credits already extended by the Export-Import Bank to the Haitian Government.4 Mr. de la Rue bases his request on statements regarding certain aspects of the economic situation of Haiti which appear unpromising.
The Department, in order to give adequate consideration to this matter, has relatively urgent need of a complete, careful study of Haiti’s economy. It is requested that the Legation, in cooperation with the Fiscal Representative’s Office, prepare such a study terminating with a summary of the facts and a reasoned expression of opinion as to whether or not, from all points of view, additional credits are indispensable.
Following this basic report, it will be appreciated if carefully studied monthly reports may be submitted on this subject in order that the Department may have constantly available politico-economic information on which to base policy.
So far as possible, the Department desires that these studies should present facts and that every effort shall be made to sift and evaluate the information from which conclusions are drawn.
While it is assumed that your first report will be somewhat longer than the monthly reports submitted subsequently, it will be appreciated [Page 881] if they may be as concise as may be consistent with a full and adequate presentation of the subject.
Very truly yours,
- A loan of $5,000,000 granted to Haiti to assist in a program of public works.↩