Mr. Hay to Mr. Day.
London , July 24, 1898 .
I have just received from Lord Salisbury the following communication from British ambassador at Madrid, dated July 23, 1898:
I have just received the following from the Spanish minister for foreign affairs:
“The Spanish Government are willing to agree that the strictest neutrality should be observed by the vessels employed by the Transatlantic Company in the transport to Spain of the force which surrendered at Santiago de Cuba. The armament of these vessels shall only be for merchantmen, and no act of hostility shall be committed by them, while the United States on their part shall guarantee the same neutrality toward these vessels, both on their outward journey and on their return. The Spanish Government agree further that the necessary medical stores shall be supplied by the United States and an officer shall be appointed by the Spanish Government to inspect these stores and rations. Medical attendance for the crews and soldiers will be provided by the Spanish Government. The latter Government agree that the transports employed in this service shall, with the exception of the pilotage, be exempted from every kind of port dues. The British ambassador shall be informed with the least possible delay by the Spanish Government of the ports where the disembarkation of the troops is to take place. The desires of the United States with regard to all points connected with lazaretto will be observed.”
The foregoing is a telegraphic summary of a note verbale from the Spanish Government to the British ambassador. The latter inquires whether this communication is sufficient or whether a formal agreement should be executed. Please enable me to answer this inquiry promptly. British ambassador at Madrid adds that, doubtless owing to the ships being Spanish, no mention is made in note of police.