Mr. Hay to Lord Pauncefote.
Washington , April 9, 1900 .
Excellency: You will recall that under date of November 22, 1899, you communicated to me the views and desires of your Government as to the pointing out to the Transvaal Government by the United States consul at Pretoria that they are departing from the usual practice in not allowing the friendly offices of the United States to be used on behalf of British prisoners.
In accordance with my promise to you, copy of your note was forwarded to the United States consul at Pretoria, with instructions to make use if necessary of the precedents therein cited by Lord Salisbury to show that the charitable and humane intervention of the United States consul is usual and regular in time of war.
I have since had occasion to communicate with the consul by telegraph in regard to the opportunity and manner of remittance for charitable aid to the sick and wounded, whether British or Boer, in the course of the present war.
It is only within a day or two that I have received a definite reply from the consul. Mr. Hay now telegraphs me that he can use the money for prisoners and can draw upon me for charitable contributions on both sides.
I have, etc.,