Mr. Woodford to Mr. Sherman.
Madrid, April 21, 1898.
Following is text of official note received this morning at 7.30 o’clock from Spanish minister of state:
In compliance with a painful duty, I have the honor to inform your excellency that, the President having approved a resolution of both Chambers of the United States which, in denying the legitimate sovereignty of Spain and in threatening armed intervention in Cuba, is equivalent to an evident declaration of war, the Government of His Majesty has ordered its minister in Washington to withdraw without loss of time from the North American territory with all the personnel of the legation. By this act the diplomatic relations which previously existed between the two countries are broken off, all official communication between their respective representatives ceasing, and I hasten to communicate this to your excellency in order that on your part you may make such dispositions as seem suitable.
I beg your excellency to kindly acknowledge the receipt of this note, and I avail myself, etc.