Protection of German interests at Bocas del Toro by United States naval officials.

Memorandum.

According to reports received by the Imperial German Government from the Imperial consulate at Colon (Colombia), the consular agent at Bocas del Toro has urgently requested that protection may be granted to German firms established at Bocas del Toro, the Colombian authorities having declared to be unable to guarantee safety against rebels.

According to another telegram received from the German consulate at Colon, the U. S. S. Machias sailed from Colon for Bocas del Toro on the 16th instant.

The Imperial German embassy, acting under instructions from the Imperial German Government, begs to ask whether the United States Government would be kindly inclined to have the U. S. S. Machias protect German interests at Bocas del Toro in case the German consul in Colon should address such a request to the representatives of the United States Government at Colon or Bocas del Toro. In case the demand of the Imperial German Government is kindly granted, the German embassy would greatly appreciate if the necessary instructions would be issued to the respective representatives of the United States Government.

Washington, D. C., May 20, 1902.

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