Mr. Choate to Mr.
Hay.
American Embassy,
London, June 21,
1901.
No. 599.]
Sir: Referring to your instruction No. 526 of
January 7, and to my dispatch No. 503 of February 8 last, I have the
honor to inclose herewith a copy of a note from the Marquis of
Lansdowne, suggesting [Page 206] that the
Government of the Kongo Free State be notified that Mr. Casement, His
Britannic Majesty’s consul, has been authorized to take charge of
American interests there.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.]
Lord Lansdowne
to Mr. Choate.
Foreign Office, June 16, 1901.
Your Excellency: With reference to your
excellency’s note of the 22d of January last, I have the honor to
inform you that a dispatch has been received from Mr. Casement, His
Majesty’s consul for the Kongo Free State, pointing out the
necessity of notifying the Government of the Kongo Free State of his
authority to take charge of American interests.
I have accordingly to request that your excellency will move the
United States Government to cause the necessary notification to be
made. Mr. Casement has in the meantime been instructed to arrange
with the local authorities for provisional recognition as acting
consul for the United States, and to inform them that the formal
notification will follow.
I have, etc.,