Sir Julian Pauncefote to Mr. Sherman.

Sir: In reply to Mr. Day’s note No. 966, of the 5thinstant, requesting that, in case of trouble between Spain and the United States, the British consul-general at Habana may take charge of the American property and papers belonging to the United States consulate there, I have the honor to inform you that I am this day in receipt of a telegram from Her Majesty’s principal secretary of state for foreign affairs, stating that instructions have been forwarded to Mr. Gollan, Her Majesty’s consul-general, in compliance with the request of the United States Government, authorizing him to take charge of the United States consulate when asked to do so, after obtaining consent from the Spanish authorities.

Mr. Gollan is likewise instructed to convey the same authorization to Her Majesty’s consul, Mr. Ramsden, at Santiago de Cuba, and other British consular officers.

I have, etc.,

Julian Pauncefote.