Mr. Olney to Mr. Romero.
Washington, February 3, 1897.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of January 30, 1897, in relation to the arbitration of the claims of Charles Oberlander and Barbara M. Messenger, and the expression of your readiness to sign the protocol after further modifications in one or two small particulars.
The words “Republic of” in the headlines of the preamble were inadvertently inserted and had not been observed. The official name of your Government was correctly given in the body of the instrument.
I agree to the extension of the time allowed for preparing and submitting the case of each Government from two to three months, and have accordingly changed the word “two “to “three” in line 1 of article 2 of the protocol.
At your suggestion, the word “common” has been inserted before “expenses” in article 5.
In accordance with your further suggestion, I have cabled the minister of the United States at Madrid to ascertain whether Mr. Quesada will act as arbitrator upon the joint request of the two Governments. As soon as his reply is received ‘the substance of it will be communicated to you and when both Governments have been apprised of Mr. Quesada’s acceptance, I shall be glad to sign the protocol in duplicate with you. Copies with the modifications agreed upon are now being prepared and will be ready for signature as soon as it is known that the arbitrator selected will act.
Accept, sir, etc.,