Mr. Choate to Mr. Hay.

No. 431.]

Sir: Referring to my dispatch No. 418 of the 27th ultimo, I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of a note which I have received from the Marquis of Lansdowne in relation to the American prisoners of war in Ceylon, together with a copy of a telegrama which I sent you on the 21st instant, from which it will be observed that the American consul at Colombo can communicate with the 22 prisoners of war, but that all communications should be made either through the governor of Ceylon or through the general officer commanding the troops.

I have, etc.,

Joseph H. Choate.
[Page 468]
[Inclosure.]

Lord Lansdowne to Mr. Choate.

Your Excellency: The Marquis of Salisbury referred your letter of the 25th ultimo to the secretary of state for war, and I have now the honor to inform your excellency that a telegram has been received from the military authorities in Ceylon to the effect that there is no objection to the United States consul at Colombo communicating with the 22 prisoners of war referred to in your excellency’s note, but that all communications should be made either through the governor of Ceylon or through the general officer commanding the troops.

I have, etc.,

Lansdowne.
  1. Printed, ante.