Mr. Hay to Mr.
Day.
American Embassy,
London, July 25,
1898.
No. 472.]
Sir: Referring to my cipher telegram of the
24th instant, I have the honor to inclose herewith the copy of a note
which I have received from the foreign office, transmitting the original
and translation of the note verbale from the Spanish Government, of
which I cabled you the substance on the above-mentioned date, relative
to the return to Spain of the Spanish troops.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.]
Lord Salisbury to
Mr. Hay.
Foreign Office, London, July 27,
1898.
Your Excellency: With reference to my
communication of the 23d instant, I have the honor to transmit to
you a copy and translation of the note verbale which Her Majesty’s
ambassador at Madrid has received from the Spanish Government
relating to the transport of the Spanish troops from Santiago de
Cuba to Spain.
I have, etc.,
F. H.
Villiers
,
(For the Marquis of Salisbury.)
[Subinclosure 1.]
Mr. Wolff to the
Marquis of Salisbury.
My Lord: With reference to my telegram No.
240 of last night, I have the honor to transmit herewith copy and
translation of the note verbale from the Spanish Government in reply
to the terms proposed by the United States to be observed in regard
to the Spanish troops to be repatriated from Santiago de Cuba.
I have, etc.,
[Subinclosure 2.]
The minister of state has the honor to inform Her Majesty’s
ambassador, in reply to his two “notes verbales” of yesterday’s
date, that His Majesty’s Government is in perfect accord with the
Government of the United States that the ships of the Spanish
Transatlantic Line employed to bring home the troops that have
capitulated in Santiago de Cuba shall observe the strictest
neutrality, it being agreed that the said ships shall not carry more
armament than is usual for merchant ships, and that they shall not
commit any act of hostility so long as the said neutrality is
guaranteed to these ships by the United States, both on the voyage
there and back.
[Page 992]
His Majesty’s Government also agrees that the Government of the
United States may provide the medical supplies and rations necessary
for the voyage, and will name an official to examine them and to
take under his charge the medical attendance on the soldiers and
crew.
His Majesty’s Government agrees to the conditions that the said
transports shall be exempt from all port dues with the exception of
pilotage.
His Majesty’s Government will inform Her Britannic Majesty’s
ambassador as soon as possible at which Spanish ports the said
troops should be landed, everything relative lazarettos to be
determined, taking into account the wishes expressed on this point
by the United States.