Mr. Mill to Mr. Newel.

No. 255.]

Sir: I inclose a copy of a dispatch1 from the chargé d’affaires ad interim of the United States in Russia, in which he reports that a convention has been signed, a copy of which is likewise inclosed, providing for the submission to arbitration of the claims of certain American vessels against the Russian Government.

You will observe that this Government and that of Russia have agreed that Mr. Asser, member of the council of state of the Netherlands, should act as arbitrator.

You will therefore confer with the Russian minister at The Hague and act concurrently with him in endeavoring to secure the consent of Mr. Asser to assume the office of arbitrator, and in the event of his acceptance you will notify the Department by cable.

Accept, etc.,

David J. Hill,
Acting Secretary.
  1. Printed under Russia, p. 883.