Mr. Choate to Mr. Hay.
London, May 17, 1902.
(Mr. Choate reports that in answer to his formal note embodying the substance of the Department’s telegram of May 12, and stating that if the British secretary of state for foreign affairs would indicate any aid or service which, by reason of the proximity of the United States to the scene of disaster, might be rendered, it would give Mr. Choate great pleasure immediately to communicate it to the President. He has just received Lord Lansdowne’s formal reply, dated May 14, stating “His Majesty has commanded me to inform you that he has been deeply touched by this message and by the sympathy shown by the President and people of the United States on the occasion of the great calamity which has overtaken one of the British colonies,” and requesting Mr. Choate “to convey to the President His Majesty’s message, together with the heartfelt thanks of His Majesty’s Government, and the assurance that the feeling to which your excellency has given expression will be most highly appreciated in this country and by the community which has suffered so much.”
Upon hearing from Mr. Chamberlain what are the special needs of the colonists, Lord Lansdowne will communicate further with Mr. Choate.)