Mr. Choate to Mr. Hay.

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.,

Joseph H. Choate.
[Inclosure.]

Lord Lansdowne to Mr. Choate.

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.,

Lansdowne.