No. 491.
Mr. Bayard to Baron von Zedtwitz.

Sir: It was agreed to consider as confidential the joint protocols of the conference I had the honor to hold in this city last summer with Mr. von Alvensleben and the British minister; but in view of all that has since transpired, and the failure thus far to accomplish the ends thus sought for, I suggest that, pending further consideration of the Samoan question, each Government be at liberty to publish the joint protocols.

As the President is about to make a communication on the general subject to Congress I would thank you for as early a reply as may be convenient to this note.

Accept, etc.,

T. F. Bayard.