Mr. Pierce to Mr. Hay.

No. 247.]

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I have to-day received from the imperial foreign office a circular note, a copy and translation of which I inclose, announcing that, the Government of Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands having expressed its consent, the conference heretofore proposed by the Russian Government will be held at The Hague.

I confirm the telegram sent you to-day announcing this fact.

I have, etc.,

Herbert H. D. Pierce,
Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.
[Inclosure.—Translation.]

Count Mouravieff to Mr. Pierce.

Chargé d’affaires: Referring to the circular communication dated December 30, 1898, I have the honor of informing you that the Imperial Government has placed itself in communication with the Government of Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands in regard to the choice of The Hague as the ultimate scene of the proposed conference.

The Government of the Netherlands having expressed its accord in this matter, I have the honor to request you to inform your Government of this choice, which will without doubt be received with general sympathy.

Accept, etc.,

Count Mouravieff.