The 1915 Intervention In Haiti

Paper by the International Law of War Association, n.d.

In 1915 the National City Bank of New York was the principle U.S. investor in Haiti. Its interests were threatened by the Haitian government’s issuance of inflationary currency. The bank was supported by the U.S. Department of State which wished for customs duties collected by the Haitian government to be paid over to the debt owed the bank. The following communications published in the 1915 volume of Foreign Relations Of The United States are enlightening.

Telegram Navy Department To Admiral Caperton July 28, 1915

State Department desires that American forces be landed at Port au Prince and that American and foreign interests be protected; that representatives England, France be informed this intention; informed that their interests will be protected, and that they be requested not land. ...Department has ordered U.S.S. Jason with marines ...proceed immediately Port au Prince. If more forces absolutely necessary wire immediately.

Telegram Admiral Caperton to Navy Department August 2, 1915

Large number Haitian revolutions largely due existing professional soldiers called cacos, organized in bands under lawless and irresponsible chiefs...Believe can control Congress. Can prevent any cacos outbreak after arrival regiment of marines...Stable government not possible in Haiti until cacos are disbanded...Such action now imperative Port au Prince if United States desires to negotiate treaty for financial control Haiti. To accomplish this must have [additional] regiment of marines...Majority population well disposed and submissive...

Telegram Navy Department To Admiral Caperton August 9, 1915

Allow election of President to take place whenever Haitians wish. The United States prefers election of Dartiguenave...

Telegram Secretary of State to Charge D’Affairs, August 10, 1915

In view of the fact that the Navy last night informed Admiral Caperton that he might allow election of a President whenever the Haitians wish, ... it is desired that you confer with the admiral to the end that...the following things be made perfectly clear:

First: Let [the Haitian] Congress understand that the Government of the United States intends to uphold it, but that it can not recognize action which does not establish in charge of Haitian affairs those whose abilities and dispositions give assurances of putting an end to factional disorders.

Second: In order that no misunderstanding can possibly occur after election, it should be made perfectly clear to candidates as soon as possible and in advance of their election, that the United States expects to be intrusted with the practical control of the customs, and such financial control over the affairs of the Republic of Haiti as the United States may deem necessary for efficient administration....

Telegram Secretary of State to Charge D’Affairs, August 22, 1915

For your guidance in informal conversations with the de facto President, you may use the following as your views of the motives and purposes of [the U.S.]:

To establish a stable government and lasting domestic peace...the treaty submitted ought to be ratified immediately...

Telegram Secretary of State to Charge D’Affairs, August 24, 1915

The United States desires to deal justly and considerately with Haitians. It covets no Haitian territory, nor does it desire to usurp Haitian sovereignty...

If the previous understanding, ... does not result in a prompt ratification of the treaty, then this Government will be compelled to consider adoption of one of the following courses: First, establishing there a military government until honest elections can be held; second, permitting the control of the Government to pass to some other political faction ... whose members will be willing to join in the prompt reestablishment of a stable government...

Treaty Between The United States And Haiti Signed September 16, 1915

Art. I. The Government of the United States will, by its good offices, aid the Haitian Government in the proper and efficient development of its ...resources and in the establishment of the finances of Haiti on a firm...basis.

Art II. The President of Haiti shall appoint, upon nomination by the President of the United States, a general receiver ... who shall collect, receive and apply all customs duties ...

The President of Haiti shall appoint, upon nomination by the President of the United States, a financial advisor...

Art. III. The Government of ...Haiti will provide by law...for the payment of all customs duties to the general receiver...

Art. V. All sums collected ...by the general receiver shall be applied first [to pay his expenses] second, to the interest and sinking fund of the public debt of ...Haiti...

Telegram Navy Department To Admiral Caperton November 10, 1915

Arrange with President Dartiguenave that he call a cabinet meeting before the session of the Senate that will pass upon ratification of treaty ... On your own authority state the following...

...I am confident if the treaty fails of ratification that my Government has the intention to retain control in Haiti until the desired end is accomplished...