Mr. Choate to Mr.
Hay.
American Embassy,
London, July 3,
1901.
No. 610.]
Sir: With reference to your instructions, Nos.
636 and 641, of May 22 and 27 last, I have the honor to inclose herewith
a copy of a note which I have received from the Marquis of Lansdowne,
stating that His Majesty’s secretary of state for war is unable to make
any exception in respect to prisoners of war, unless they are suffering
from serious or dangerous illness, and that he does not see his way to
ordering the release of Messrs. Connelly and Smith.
I had previously, upon the receipt of your instruction No. 636,
approached His Majesty’s Government in respect to Mr. W. F. Smith, but
without success.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.]
Lord Lansdowne,
to Mr. Choate.
Foreign Office, London, June 28,
1901.
Your Excellency: I referred to His
Majesty’s secretary of state for war the copies of dispatches
addressed to your excellency by the United States Government, asking
for the release of two United States citizens, Messrs. F. Connelly
and W. Smith, who are detained as prisoners of war in Ceylon and St.
Helena, respectively.
I have the honor to inform your excellency that I learn from Mr.
Secretary Brodrick that he is unable to make exceptions in the cases
of individual prisoners of war unless they are suffering from
serious or dangerous illness, and consequently regrets that he does
not see his way to ordering the release of Messrs. Connelly and W.
Smith.
I have, etc.,
