Mr. Woodford to Mr. Sherman.
Madrid, April 5, 1898.
Sir: I have the honor to report that on Sunday, April 3, in view of the very critical relations between Spain and the United States, I asked the British chargé d’affaires at Madrid whether, in the event of my departure becoming necessary, Her British Majesty’s embassy would take charge of American interests and property in Spain, so that they might enjoy the protection of the British flag.
To-day I received a note from the British chargé d’affaires, stating that in compliance with my request he telegraphed to his Government on the 3d instant, reporting that I had asked that in the event of my departure becoming necessary Her Majesty’s embassy should take charge of American interests and property in Spain, so that they might enjoy the protection of the British flag. He also informs me that Sir Julian Pauncefote, the British ambassador at Washington, has been instructed to inform the United States Government that Her Majesty’s Government will willingly undertake the protection of United States interests in Spain if this should, unfortunately, become necessary.
Sir Julian Pauncefote has further been informed that it will be necessary, according to usage, to obtain consent of the Spanish Government, and it has been suggested to Sir Julian by Lord Salisbury that the United States Government may think that an application on the subject would at present be premature.
I have written the British chargé d’affaires acknowledging the receipt of his friendly and generous note, stating that I am deeply gratified to learn from him that Her Majesty’s ambassador at Washington has been instructed to inform my Government that Her Majesty’s Government will willingly undertake the protection of United States interests in Spain if this should, unfortunately, become necessary, and that I note with exceeding satisfaction that all further arrangements in this regard will be made through the British ambassador [Page 740] with my Government at Washington, and of which Her Majesty’s embassy at Madrid and myself will doubtless be instructed in due season. I have thanked the British chargé d’affaires in behalf of my Government for his very prompt and generous response to my request, adding the earnest prayer that no occasion may arise whereby the suggested action may become necessary.
I am, etc.,