Mr. Finch to Mr. Day.
Montevideo , May 12, 1898 .
Sir: I had the pleasure to receive the following telegram on the 11th instant, in the evening, from the Hon. José Decoud, minister for foreign affairs for the Republic of Paraguay:
Asuncion, May 10, 1898.
To William R.
Finch,
Minister,
Montevideo:
Yesterday I had the honor to receive your excellency’s note, dated April 26 ultimo, communicating that a state of war exists between the United States and Spain; and [Page 893] I hasten to make known to your excellency, in accordance with the wishes and instructions of the President of the Republic, that the Government of Paraguay, faithful to its international duties, will maintain the strictest neutrality during the said conflict.
José Decoud.
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Respectfully,