Mr. Hay to Mr. Pierce.
Washington , February 4, 1899 .
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Hitchcock’s No. 230, of the 14th ultimo, inclosing Count Mouravieff’s circular of December 30 (January 11 last) in regard to the peace conference.
You will inform the Imperial Government that in reply to that circular the President directs you to express his most cordial interest in the proposed conference and his most sincere desire that it may contribute to the lasting peace of the world, and to give assurance that when the time and place of meeting of the conference are indicated he will appoint a representative of the United States of America to attend its meetings and participate in its deliberations.
I am, etc.,