Treaty with Haiti: Finances, Economic Development and Tranquility of Haiti

The treaty states its aims as strengthening the amity between the two countries, remedying the condition of Haitian revenues and finances, maintaining tranquility in Haiti and carrying out plans for its economic development. It was signed by Robert Beale Davis Jr., chargé d'affaires of the United States, and Louis Borno, Haiti's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Public Instruction. Haiti ratified it on September 17, 1915, the US Senate advised ratification on February 16, 1916, and ratifications were exchanged at Washington on May 3, 1916.

The United States was to aid Haiti's development and finances through a General Receiver of customs, appointed by the Haitian President on nomination by the US President, and a Financial Adviser attached to the Ministry of Finance. Receivership expenses were capped at five percent of customs collections unless both governments agreed otherwise. Haiti agreed not to increase its public debt without prior agreement with the US President, to create a constabulary of native Haitians organized and officered by Americans, not to cede territory to any foreign power, and to undertake sanitation and public improvement measures under US supervision. The treaty was to remain in force for ten years from the exchange of ratifications, with a further ten years if its purposes had not been accomplished. The document was presented to the Senate by Mr. Pomerene and ordered printed on February 23, 1922.