Mr. Choate to Mr.
Hay.
American Embassy,
London, May 22,
1902.
No. 862.]
Sir: With reference to my dispatch, No. 861, of
May 17, in relation to your cable of the 12th instant in connection with
the disaster at St. Vincent, I have the honor to confirm herewith my
telegram to you of this date, which was based upon a note, dated May 20,
1902, received this day from Lord Lansdowne, a copy of which is herewith
inclosed.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.]
Lord Lansdowne
to Mr. Choate.
Foreign Office, May
20, 1902.
Your Excellency: In continuation of my note
of the 16th instant, I have the honor to acquaint your excellency
that the secretary of state for the colonies has to-day received the
following telegram from the governor of the Windward Islands:
“All immediate wants are now supplied; have ordered timber for houses
through His Majesty’s ambassador at Washington and the
Governor-General of Canada, which will cost £5,000. Please instruct
those officers to cooperate and arrange for payment. Question of
resettlement of the people is under my consideration; one new
township has been settled up to the present time. Engaged in
completing arrangements for relief of wounded and other
sufferers.”
Mr. Chamberlain states that as the Canadian government have made a
substantial
[Page 528]
grant toward
the relief of distress in St. Vincent, to be applied either in money
or in kind, the bulk of the timber which is required will probably
be provided by and shipped from Canada. In regard, however, to such
part of the order as it may be desired to execute in the United
States, I have informed Lord Pauncefote that I feel confident that
the United States Government will give ready facilities for
purchasing the timber and for expediting its shipment, in accordance
with the friendly offer conveyed in your excellency’s note of the
13th instant.
I have, etc.,
