The Duke de Arcos to Mr. Hay.

[Translation.]

Mr. Secretary: I had the honor to receive the note of the 9th instant from your Department of State, inclosing the text of the order issued on the 11th July last by the governor-general of Cuba with regard to the registration of those Spanish subjects who wish to retain their nationality, in accordance with the provisions of article 9 of the treaty of Paris of December 10, 1898, and hastened to communicate it to the Government which I represent.

As I deem it necessary for the Spanish Government to know exactly what names are registered, I would be much obliged to the honorable Secretary of State if, in accordance with his offer, he would have the [Page 716] military authorities of the island of Cuba instructed to send lists of the registrations to the consulate-general of Spain in Habana.

And, at the same time, I beg the honorable Secretary of State to have the kindness to inform me whether the same regulations as those in force in Cuba have already been adopted with regard to Porto Rico and the Philippine Islands, as in that case I extend to those territories my request that the registrations be communicated to the Spanish consulates.

If the necessary orders have not yet been issued in the two territories, I venture to remind the honorable Secretary of State how urgent it is to take some action, as several months of the period fixed by the treaty of Paris have already elapsed.

I avail myself, etc.,

Arcos.