Mr. Hay to Mr. Merry.
Washington, May 6, 1899.
Sir: In a letter dated the 4th instant the Secretary of the Navy, in acknowledging the receipt of a copy of the joint telegram from you and Captain Dayton, of the U. S. S. Detroit, dated Bluefields, April 23, says:
In this connection I have the honor to forward herewith copies of two letters from the commanding officer of the Detroit, in the first of which he reports having sent a telegram in cipher on April 22. This telegram reports the arrival of the Detroit at Bluefields with the minister, Merry, on board, but it was never received by telegraph at the Navy Department, the mail confirmation being the first indication which this Department had that it was sent.
It appears from the foregoing that the opinion of this Department, as expressed in its letter of yesterday’s date, that telegrams of this Government are not properly forwarded in Nicaragua, is probably in accordance with the facts.
Captain Dayton states that no objection was made by the Nicaraguan authorities to receiving and forwarding his telegram.
You will bring the matter to the attention of the Nicaraguan Government and insist on unrestricted telegraphic communication between yourself and this Department and between Captain Dayton and the Navy Department.
The joint telegram referred to is confirmed herewith.
I am, etc.,