Mr. Choate to Mr.
Hay.
American Embassy,
London, April 12,
1902.
No. 833.]Sir: With reference to your instruction No.
620, of the 30th of April, 1901, and to subsequent correspondence
respecting the case of H. McGaw Wood, at present a prisoner of war in
Ceylon, I have the honor to inclose a copy of a note dated the 11th
instant, just received from the foreign office, from which it appears
that in view of a report from the governor of Ceylon to the effect that
Mr. Wood’s health is in no
[Page 488]
danger from his confinement, and that he is still capable of undertaking
military service, the secretary of state for war has not found it
possible to assent to Mr. Wood’s release.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.]
Lord Lansdowne
to Mr. Choate.
Foreign Office, April 11, 1902.
Your Excellency: I have the honor to inform
you that on the receipt of your excellency’s note of the 3d ultimo,
respecting the case of the United States citizen H. McGaw Wood, at
present a prisoner of war in Ceylon, I placed myself in
communication with His Majesty’s secretary of state for war with a
view to ascertaining whether he would be disposed to agree to this
person’s release.
It appears, however, from a report which has been received on the
subject from the governor of Ceylon, that Mr. Wood’s health is in no
danger from his confinement. He is reported to be still capable of
undertaking military service.
In these circumstances Mr. Brodrick has not found it possible to
assent to the prisoner’s release.
I have, etc.,
