Mr. Jones to Mr.
Sherman.
Legation of the United States,
Buenos Ayres, April 28,
1898.
No. 497.]
Sir: Referring to my No. 491, of the 6th
instant, I have the honor to inclose herewith copy and translation of a
note from the minister of foreign relations of yesterday’s date, wherein
in reply to my note of the day before announcing that Congress has
declared a state of war to exist between the United States and Spain, he
promptly advises me of his Government’s attitude of neutrality.
I also confirm on the overleaf my telegram of yesterday’s “date advising
you of this fact.
I have, etc.,
François S. Jones.
Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.
[Inclosure 1 in No.
497—Translation.]
Ministry of Foreign Relations,
Buenos Ayres, April 27, 1898.
Mr. Chargé d’affaires: I have had the honor
to receive your note of yesterday’s date by which, in compliance
with orders from your Government, you are good enough to communicate
to me that, in view of the joint resolution of the Congress of the
United States, approved the 20th instant, directing intervention to
secure the independence of the island of Cuba, the Spanish
Government informed the minister of the United States at Madrid on
the following day that it considered the above-mentioned resolution
equivalent to a declaration of war.
In taking cognizance of the deplorable circumstance which compromises
the stability of two nations with which this Republic entertains the
most cordial relations, His Excellency the President charges me to
inform you, for communication to your Government, that he will at
all times observe neutrality in accordance with the principles
consecrated by international law.
Praying for the early termination of the war, I reiterate the
assurances of my distinguished consideration.
