Mr. Thiébaut to Mr. Moore.
Washington, September 3, 1898.
Dear Mr. Moore: In reference with the informal note of this embassy, dated August 29, and with our conversation of this morning, I have the honor to call your attention to the following statements:
From advices received at Madrid, negotiations are said to be carried on by the Federal authorities for the purpose of chartering at Hongkong ships for the transportation to Spain of the Spanish troops surrendered at Manila.
These troops or part thereof are needed by Spain to protect the Philippine Islands in her possession against the insurgents.
A ship with some 700 insurgents on board is said to have left Manila with a view of attacking some of the islands in Spain’s possession.
Similar expeditions are said to be preparing in Luzon and starting therefrom with the same purpose. These vessels are flying a flag which has not been recognized by the maritime powers, and are therefore liable of being denounced as pirates.
These expeditions can hardly be carried on without the knowledge of the commander of the American forces in the bay of Manila; as Spain is scrupulously observing the dispositions of the protocol, it is believed by the Spanish Government that the Government of the United States will, on the other hand, cause the hostilities, from whatever quarter, to be suspended in the Philippines pending the peace negotiations.
Yours, most sincerely,