Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 6, 1886

No. 384.
Mr. Curry to Mr. Bayard.

Legation of the United States,
Madrid, June 5, 1886. (Received June 21.)

No. 64.]

Sir: Referring to my dispatch No. 58, of the 21st ultimo, I have the honor and the pleasure to report that to-day I sent you a cablegram, stating that I was assured by the minister of foreign affairs that orders would shortly be issued which would remove the difference in the treatment of Spanish and American vessels in Cuba and Porto Rico, which had been the subject of complaint.

This was based on a letter from the minister of state, a copy of which is inclosed. It will be seen that the promise to remove the discriminations against American shipping is full and complete, as demanded by the Government of the United States in the execution of the agreement of February 13, 1884. The “necessary orders” to effect the equalization of American and Spanish flags this legation hopes to be able to report in a few days.

It may not be amiss, amid our rejoicings over the early accomplishment of what has called forth so much diplomatic exertion and anxiety, and awakened so much interest in the United States, to do the minister of state, Señor Moret, the justice to say that during the continuous negotiations he has exhibited a constant desire and purpose to act with the fullest justice, and to bring into closest friendship his own country and the United States.

I have, &c.,

J. L. M. CURRY.

[Inclosure in No. 64.]

Señor Moret to Mr. Curry.

Ministry of State, June 4, 1886.

My Dear Sir: I have just had an interview with my colleague the colonial secretary, and I have the pleasure to inform you that in spite of his had health we have discussed thoroughly the question of the equalization of the Spanish and American flags, and have agreed to have it put into practice at once in accordance with the principles of the “modus vivendi” of 1884.

My colleague shall issue the necessary orders to remove any difference existing at present between Spanish and American ships in the ports of the Antilles, and you may therefore inform your Government that any discriminating duties or taxes such as those you mention shall be corrected without further delay.

Moreover, if after the orders which will be immediately enforced, any grievance still arises, you may rely upon the loyalty and fairness of the Spanish Government and be sure it will be removed as soon as it is brought to my knowledge.

Hoping that this matter will be now settled in the most satisfactory manner for both countries, and that their friendship will be increased, I remain, &c.,

S. MORET.