Mr. Snowden to Mr. Blaine.

No. 73.]

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I am at this moment in receipt of a communication from the minister of foreign relations, stating that the minister of war has, in conformity with his request, issued orders for the immediate release of Emmanuel C. Catechi from the Greek military service. Since my last dispatch on the subject I have had two interviews with the minister of war urging prompt action.

I have conveyed to the minister of foreign affairs an expression of my appreciation of the careful and intelligent consideration he has given to the case, as well as for the action taken.

We have occasion for congratulation on the result attained, involving not only the release of a fellow-citizen from a forced service to a foreign State, but the establishment of a most valuable precedent, should similar cases require the intervention of our Government.

I have, etc.,

A. Loudon Snowden.