Mr. Adee to Señor Quesada.

No. 13.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 12th ultimo, representing the danger in which citizens of Cuba find themselves during the conflict on the Isthmus of Panama, and asking that instructions be sent to United States consuls in Colombia directing them to exercise their good offices for the protection of your fellow-countrymen.

In reply, I have the honor to say that instructions have been sent to the consuls in Colombia as requested.

I inclose copy of the circular sent to United States consuls on July 21 last, directing them, so far as they should be permitted by the Governments to which they are accredited, to discharge the duties ordinarily devolving upon Cuban consular officers.

It is hoped that, acting under the instructions previously sent to them, the United States consuls in Colombia are affording all proper protection to Cuban citizens standing in need of it.

Accept, etc.,

Alvey A. Adee,
Acting Secretary.
[Inclosure.]

Circular—Cuban interests.

To the Consular Officers of the United States.

Gentlemen: In pursuance of instructions already issued to you through the diplomatic representatives, at the request of the President of Cuba, to use your good offices in representation of the interests of Cuba and its citizens until Cuban consuls shall have been appointed, I now have to inform you that you are expected to discharge, so far as may be permitted by the Governments to which you are accredited, the duties ordinarily devolving upon Cuban consular officers. You will be guided by the instructions in force with respect to consular duties for Cuba prior to May 20, 1902, collecting fees for services performed, in accordance with the tariff of United States consular fees. All fees collected for services performed in pursuance of these instructions are to be kept separate from fees collected for services rendered as officers of the United States, and are to be remitted at the end of each quarter to this Department, with proper returns in duplicate.

I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant,

David J. Hill,
Assistant Secretary.