838.154/47a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Haiti (White)1

170. This Government would like to study, in collaboration with the Haitian Government, the possibility of developing an overland supply route to the eastern Caribbean via Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, thus reducing shipping to the short hauls connecting the islands. In view of the reduced shipping available within the Caribbean area, such a route might have strategic importance in the conduct of the war. As far as can be foreseen at the present time, such a route would only involve the improvement of existing roadways.

In informing the Foreign Minister of the foregoing would you please ascertain whether his Government would be disposed to collaborate in making this survey, and, if the survey indicates practicability of the idea in improving the existing roadways. You may state that this Government would be prepared to pay all the expenses involved in any improvement work undertaken.

If the reply is in the affirmative, one or more Army engineers will immediately proceed to Haiti to discuss the matter with the Haitian Government.

Hull
  1. The same, mutatis mutandis, as No. 164, on the same date, to the Minister in the Dominican Republic.