Mr. Hay to Mr. Tower.

No. 159.]

Sir: Referring to your No. 214, of April 14 last, I inclose herewith for your information copy of a letter1 from Mr. E. W. S. Tingle, relating to the appointment of counsel to represent the Government of the United States in the arbitration proceedings with Russia. I have received similar communications from the other claimants in the cases to be submitted for arbitration, and I have given my consent to the appearance of Mr. Peirce as counsel for the Government of the United States in the affair. This has been done with the understanding that for the services thus rendered by counsel no compensation shall be paid by the Government. You are therefore authorized, if it should become necessary to do so, to inform the Imperial Government that this Government’s interests in said arbitration will be represented by Mr. H. H. D. Peirce as its counsel.

I am, etc.,

John Hay.
  1. Not printed.