Mr. Gresham to Mr. Guzmán.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 13th instant relating to the extradition of the Salvadorean refugees now on board the U. S. S. Bennington.

In reply I have to inform you that the Bennington is near San Francisco, but outside our territorial waters, and that she will enter the harbor as soon as your Goverment obtains a writ from a judicial officer for the arrest of the refugees. There is sickness on board the ship, and, for that and other reasons mentioned in our various interviews upon this subject, it is hoped that you will see there is no unnecessary delay in affording them a prompt trial. I venture to suggest (if you have not already done so) that you send instructions to that end to your agent at San Francisco.

The judicial officer before whom the proceedings are instituted will decide whether or not documents presented by your Government are properly authenticated. I assume that Salvador will be represented by counsel upon whose advice you can safely rely in all matters.

Be pleased to accept, etc.,

W. Q. Gresham.