Sir Julian Pauncefote to Mr. Sherman.
Washington, November 7, 1897.
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th instant and to express my regret at the inconvenience which has been caused by the delay in Mr. Macoun’s [Page 313] arrival. I have now been informed by the Marquis of Salisbury that Mr. Macoun proposes to leave Ottawa to-morrow, Monday, on his way to Washington, and that the Canadian Government, while fully recognizing the character and object of the meeting of experts, desire that their minister of marine, Sir Louis Davies, should be present, in order to watch the discussion and suggest questions, if necessary, though naturally without obtruding any point of policy.
Sir W. Laurier proposes also to be in Washington, and I am desired by Lord Salisbury to inform you of the wishes of the Canadian Government and to inquire whether their proposal is agreeable to your Government.
I beg to add that in the event of your Government concurring in the presence of the colonial ministers at the meeting of experts it is suggested that I should be present at the same time.
I remain, etc.,