Mr. White to Mr.
Hay.
American Embassy,
London, December 10,
1898.
No. 601.]
Sir: Referring to your instruction 959, of the
19th ultimo, I have the honor to inform you that upon the day of its
receipt I called at the foreign office and had an interview with Mr.
Assistant Under Secretary Villiers, through whom I requested Her
Majesty’s Government to allow the torpedo boat Somers to leave Falmouth, on the understanding that, in the
event of a renewal of hostilities between ourselves and Spain, she
should not be made use of.
I subsequently addressed a note, of which I inclose a copy, to the
Marquis of Salisbury on the subject, and you will observe from his
lordship’s reply, which is also transmitted herewith, that our request
has been granted.
I yesterday communicated this fact to you by a telegram, whereof I
inclose a copy.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1.]
Mr. White to Lord
Salisbury.
American Embassy,
London, December 1,
1898.
My Lord: I have the honor, in accordance
with instructions from the Secretary of State, to invite the good
offices of your lordship with a view to obtaining the consent of Her
Majesty’s Government to the departure from Falmouth, where she has
been stored since the out break of the war, of the U. S. torpedo
boat Somers.
I am instructed, in making this request, to give assurance to your
lordship, in behalf of my Government, that, in case hostilities
should unfortunately be resumed with Spain, which would now appear
to be highly improbable, the Somers will not
be made use of; and I venture to hope that, upon this understanding,
Her Majesty’s Government may see their way to allow her to leave for
the United States.
I have, etc.,
