Mr. Adee to Sir Julian Pauncefote.
Washington, April 27, 1898.
Excellency: Referring to your pro memoria of to-day, with reference to the passage of four revenue cutters, two of which are armed, from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic coast, through channels that are under the control of the Dominion of Canada, I have the honor to inform you that instructions will be sent to the commanders of the vessels in question to proceed directly to a United States port without engaging in any hostile operation, and without taking more coal and stores than are necessary to enable them to make New York or some other United States port within easy reach. It is, of course, understood that the prohibition of engaging in any hostile operation would not preclude resistance to a hostile attack.
I have, etc.,
Acting Secretary.