Mr. Hill to Mr. White.

No. 749.]

Sir: I inclose, in original, the petition of Hugh B. Molloy, of Boston, who, stating that his brother, James L., served with the Boers in South Africa as a member of the Irish-American hospital corps, and that he was taken prisoner and is believed to be in Bermuda, asks whether his whereabouts can not be ascertained, and whether he cannot be released.

The Department has, in several cases, instructed the embassy to learn whether American citizens, prisoners of war on Ceylon, might not be released on parole, and has been informed that His Majesty’s Government could not accede to the request except in case the prisoner were seriously or dangerously ill. It is possible that the British Government may not apply such a stringent rule in the case of prisoners detained on Bermuda. You will ascertain whether the request for Mr. Molloy’s release can be granted, and in any event you will ask whether His Majesty’s Government will not be good enough to inform the inquirer of the prisoner’s whereabouts.

I am, etc.,

David J. Hill,
Acting Secretary.