Mr. Bayard to Mr. Olney.
London, January 31, 1896. (Received Feb. 11.)
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that a note from the foreign office has just been received by me, which states that Sir Hercules Robinson has telegraphed to the colonial office that British agent in the South African Republic reports that Mr. Knight, the United States consul at Cape Town, is now in Pretoria, and informs him that he has been instructed by the United States Government to make all necessary arrangements for the defense of American citizens under charges by the Boer Government.
From this I infer you are now in direct communication with the United States agents, and will not be obliged further to resort to the protection of American citizens by Her Majesty’s Government, as had so kindly been tendered.
I am, etc.,