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, January 2, 1900.

No. 267.]

Sir: I inclose herewith copy of a letter¹ from Messrs. W. H. Crossman & Bro., and also of a memorandum of shipments made by them to Delagoa Bay, by the steamers Maria, Mashona, and Beatrice, alleged to have been seized by the British Government.

You will bring the matter promptly to the attention of that Government with a view to ascertaining the grounds in law and fact on which the seizure was made, and promptly report the same to the Department.

It is represented that the goods seized were not contraband, and if you ascertain that such is the fact you will represent the view of this Government that the same are not subject to capture, and you will request prompt action and restitution in order to minimize the damage as far as possible.

The United States consul at Lourenço Marquez will be instructed to use ail proper efforts to protect the interests of Messrs. Crossman &Bro.

I am, etc.,

John Hay.

1. Printed ante.