Mr. Day to the Secretary of State
Telegram concerning difficult ies of commissioners at Habana received. Our commissioners seem to have made mistake in discussing or answering any question as to Spain’s relinquishment of sovereignty over and title to Cuba. Their duties relate solely to that practical military operation of immediate evacuation. It seems to us they should have said this, instead of accepting an issue as to the time when Spanish sovereignty will be relinquished. Not of vital importance when Spain formally relinquishes her sovereignty, or whether she ever formally relinquishes it, if we are in possession. This was specific purpose of article 4 of protocol.
We meet Spanish Commissioners this afternoon and shall go forward with articles as to Cuba, Porto Rico, and Guam, without mentioning questions before commissioners at Habana.