memorandum.
Washington, May 31, 1900.
Her Majesty’s embassy has been directed by Her Majesty’s Government to ascertain from the United States Government what their views are as to what rights and privileges can be claimed on behalf of British subjects in Cuba.
It has been assumed by Her Majesty’s consul-general in Habana that, failing any declaration to the contrary, the rights and immunities hereto enjoyed by British subjects would be continued as long as the temporary occupation lasted, but he was informed by the United States military governor that the only rights which could now be claimed were those under treaties between the United States and Great Britain.
It appears that Her Majesty’s consul-general, immediately after his arrival, called on General Brooke, and, in reply to inquiries as to what rights British subjects would enjoy under the new regime, was informed that the existing laws would remain in force in all respects until specifically altered or modified. General Wood now states that from April 11, the date of the exchange of ratifications of the treaty of Paris, all former treaties and conventions relating to the island ceased to exist, and, as above mentioned, the only rights which could now be claimed by British subjects were those which were secured by treaties concluded between the United States and Great Britain.