The separatist movements of Santo Domingo finally begin to bear fruit. In 1843 sees a declaration of independace from Haiti and protection requested from the Colombian government. Colombia quickly sends a contingent of 600 men and several boats to help in expelling the Haitians from Santo Domingo. Colombia offers in exchange for fortifying the investments in the islqnds, voluntary annexation to the Republic of Colombia for the protectorate islands Puerto Rico, Cuba and Santo Domingo. Puerto Rico and Cuba accepted in 1845, against mounting disapproval by the United States at the expansion of Colombia as a regional power. American warships blockade Cuban harbours and succeed in pressuring Cuban refusal of the Colombia's offer. Puerto Rico nevertheless joins the expanded union, Santo Domingo