Mr. Taylor to Mr. Gresham.

No. 228.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herein, with translation, a copy of a note just received from the minister of state, announcing the fact that His Majesty’s Government has decided to annul the decree of June 28, 1891, putting into execution the reciprocity arrangement in the islands of Cuba and Porto Rico.

I am, etc.,

Hannis Taylor.
[Inclosure in No. 228.—Translation.]

Mr. Moret to Mr. Taylor.

Excellency: The Government at Washington having yesterday put into force the new tariff regulations, according to the official advices received from the Spanish minister, the reciprocity agreement which has governed the commercial relations between the two countries comes to an end.

In view of these facts the Government of His Majesty the King has decided in its turn to annul the decree of Jane 28, 1891, which was published to put into execution the reciprocity arrangement in the islands of Cuba and Porto Rico.

In making this communication to your excellency I again call your attention to the unfairness and prejudice which would come of applying the new tariff to the products of the Philippine Islands, which, having been shipped previous to this date, would find themselves in a peculiarly disadvantageous position on their arrival in the United States if they were expected to pay the imposts of the new tariff.

I avail, etc.,

S. Moret.