Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 3, 1900

Mr. Hay to Mr. Choate.

Department of State,
Washington, December 21, 1899.

No. 263.]

Sir: I inclose for your information copy of a letter² from Mr. R. M. Geldart, of New York City, who complains that certain merchandise belonging to him and shipped to a Portuguese firm in Lourenço Marquez on board the British steamship Beatrice, was by order of the British Government discharged into lighters at East London without Mr. Geldart’s consent.

You are instructed to investigate the matter with a view to ascertaining the facts, in order that the same may be reported to the Department for such action as may be found proper.

The United States consul at Lourenço Marquez will be instructed to use all proper efforts to protect Mr. Geldart’s rights.

I am, etc.,

John Hay.

2. (Inclosure:) Mr. R. M. Geldart to Mr. Hay, December 15, 1899, printed ante.