Sir Julian Pauncefote to Mr. Gresham.

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I have received a telegram from the Earl of Rosebery to the effect that, in view of the attitude of the rebel ships at Rio de Janeiro, it appears to Her Majesty’s Government desirable that foreign naval commanders in the bay should be authorized to concert measures to prevent the destruction of foreign life and property by the insurgent fleet, and to use force if they should consider it necessary and advisable for that purpose.

I am desired by his lordship to suggest to your Government that they should telegraph instructions in the above sense to the United States naval commanders in those waters.

I have, etc.,

Julian Pauncefote.