Mr. Merry to Mr. Hay.
San Jose Costa Rica, August 12, 1900.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of cablegram dated August 8.
I have not thus far received any information of tenor alluded to. On July 28 I sent to the Department copy of my dispatch to Nicaraguan Government, of same date, discussing the action of Judge Roman in sentencing the Bluefields merchants to a third payment of these duties.
This dispatch reached Managua on or about 4th instant, and if any action leading to repayment of the duties to the merchants has been taken it is probably the result of said dispatch. It is also probable that Her Britannic Majesty’s Consul Bingham would have notified me had he received such request from the Nicaraguan Government, as his instructions from the British minister are to pay the fund back only [Page 822] with the knowledge and assent of both Governments. Should I hear that such favorable action as is indicated by your cablegram has been taken by the Managua Government I shall promptly cable the Department of State.
With assurances, etc.,