Lord Pauncefote to Mr. Hay.
Washington, March 26, 1901.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you, by direction of the Marquis of Lansdowne, that their royal highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York will arrive on the 6th of May at Melbourne, where on the 9th of that month the first session of the Federal Parliament of Australia will be opened by His Royal Highness.
The governor-general has requested that it may be made known that should any ships of war of foreign powers be able conveniently to attend these festivities they will be very welcome, and everything will be done to show the officers proper attention.
I have, etc.,