1891-February-02: Admiral Gherardi delivered a formal note to Firmin intended to overcome Haitian constitutional objections.

1891-February-02: Admiral Gherardi delivered a formal note to Firmin intended to overcome Haitian constitutional objections. He emphasized that a lease did not “strike a blow at Haitian autonomy or independence” and reminded Firmin that Haiti had successfully leased a coaling station to the United States at Cap Haitien during the American Civil War. By framing the request as a temporary commercial and military lease rather than a permanent loss of sovereignty, Gherardi attempted to provide the Hyppolite government with a face-saving diplomatic “out.”