Mr. Hay to Mr. Sherman.

No. 208.]

Sir: Referring to your instruction No. 334, of the 2d ultimo, I have the honor to inclose herewith copies of a note which I addressed to the Marquis of Salisbury expressing thanks for the action of Sir Philip Currie, the British ambassador at Constantinople, in authorizing the vice-consul at Van to take charge of American interests there and of the reply which I have received thereto.

I have, etc.,

John Hay.
[Inclosure 1 in No. 208.]

Mr. Hay to the Marquis of Salisbury.

My Lord: The American minister at Constantinople has informed the Secretary of State that at his request Her Majesty’s ambassador at Constantinople had been good enough to authorize the British vice-consul at Van to take charge of American interests at that place; and I have the honor to acquaint your lordship that my Government has been much gratified at this act of the courtesy on the part of Sir Philip Currie, and has instructed me to convey to Her Majesty’s Government an expression of its thanks for the same.

I have, etc.,

John Hay.
[Page 356]
[Inclosure 2 in No. 208.]

The Marquis of Salisbury to Mr. Hay.

Your Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency’s note of the 26th ultimo, conveying the thanks of the United States Government for the courtesy shown by Her Majesty’s ambassador at Constantinople in authorizing the British vice-consul at Van to take charge of American interests at that place.

I am much gratified at this expression of thanks on the part of your excellency’s Government, and I have not failed to acquaint Sir P. Currie with the terms of your excellency’s note.

I have, etc.,

Salisbury.