Mr. Rockhill to Mr.
Sherman.
Legation of the United States,
Bucharest, May 15,
1898.
No. 9, Servian Series.]
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith copy
of a note, under date of May 12, from the minister of foreign affairs of
Servia, informing me that during the hostilities between the United
States and Spain Servia would observe the strictest neutrality.
Very respectfully, etc.,
[Inclosure.]
Belgrade, April 30 (old style), 1898.
Mr. Minister: By note of the 26th instant,
your excellency was pleased to inform the Royal Government that a
state of war existed between the United States of America and Spain
since the 21st instant, the day on which the Spanish Government
informed the minister of the United States at Madrid that it
considered the joint resolution of Congress, approved the 20th
instant, as equivalent to a declaration of war, and that it had
consequently recalled its minister from Washington and broken off
diplomatic relations.
Your excellency desires to be assured as to the neutrality of Servia
during the war which has broken out.
While thanking your excellency most earnestly for his obliging
communication, the Royal Government gives the assurance that Servia
will observe during the war which has broken out between the United
States of North America and Spain the strictest neutrality.
Please accept, etc.,
