838.00/1856: Telegram

The High Commissioner in Haiti (Russell) to the Secretary of State

39. My 38, April 11, noon. On investigation proceedings of Council of State appear to have been entirely legal regarding eligibility of Louis Borno for Presidency. Have had talk with Mr. Bonamy, Chief Justice Court of Cassation, who stated that laws passed by National Assembly or Council of State could if unconstitutional be referred to Court of Cassation but that action such body [sic] could not be so referred, its decision being final in Borno case. Eligibility was first considered and by unanimous vote of 14 members present he was considered eligible. Official election decree appears in yesterday’s Moniteur. If practicable in view of above shall at once officially recognize Louis Borno as having been elected. No chance of present administration considering loan.3

Russell
  1. For papers concerning loan, see pp. 472 ff.