Office of the Historian

Mr. Choate to Mr. Hay.

American Embassy,
London, July 5, 1902.
No. 894.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of a statement which I have just received from Lord Lansdowne, stating that the governors of the various British colonies in which prisoners of war are detained have been instructed by His Majesty’s secretary of state for the colonies that foreign prisoners who wish to leave at their own expense should be allowed to do so. The remainder may be handed over to the respective consuls if their governments desire to make special arrangements for their removal, but that if not, they will have to wait until His Majesty’s Government can conveniently repatriate them. Foreign prisoners of war, however, will not be allowed to return to South Africa.

I have, etc.,

Joseph H. Choate.
[Inclosure.]
Foreign Office, July 4, 1902.

The governors of the various British colonies in which prisoners of war are detained have been instructed by His Majesty’s secretary of state for the colonies that foreign prisoners who wish to leave at their own expense should be allowed to do so. The remainder maybe handed over to their respective consuls if their governments desire to make special arrangements for their removal. If not, they will have to wait until His Majesty’s Government can conveniently repatriate them. Foreign prisoners of war will not be allowed to return to South Africa.