On the occasion of the bicentenary of the recognition of the independence of Haiti, a Franco-Haitian commission of historians will study « l’impact » on this country of the Caribbean of the “Very heavy financial compensation” imposed by France on its ex-colony in exchange for its independence, and “Recommendations”announced Emmanuel Macron, Thursday, March 17.
This compensation, decided by King Charles X in 1825, “Then placed a prize on the freedom of a young nation, which was thus confronted, from its constitution, with the unjust strength of history”said the French president in a press release.
However, he does not mention, at this stage, a possible financial compensation, as claimed by the Haitian authorities. On Wednesday, the Elysée had assured that the head of state would draw “All conclusions” At the end of this memory work.
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“Double this”
In January, the acting Haitian president Leslie Voltaire said that Emmanuel Macron had mentioned to him during an interview the principle of a « restitution » – that the French presidency had not however mentioned in its report of this meeting.
In the press release, Emmanuel Macron called for “ recognize the truth of history ”and ensures that the work of the Commission must allow “Strengthen educational and cultural cooperation, and [de] Build a renewed relationship between France and Haiti, based on listening, respect and solidarity ”.
After the proclamation of independence, in 1804, at the end of a military victory against the Napoleonic expeditionary force, the new authorities of Haiti accepted, on April 17, 1825, under the threat of the cannons of the French fleet, to pay 150 million francs-gold of compensation to the former owners of land and slaves, in exchange for the recognition of independence by King Charles X. 1838, at 90 million francs-gold.
To fulfill this claim, the young Caribbean Republic had to go into debt at very high rates with French banks. The regulation of this “Double this” Spread until 1952, the date of payment of the last interests.
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