Mr. Hay to Baron Moncheur.
Washington , April 28, 1902 .
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 8th instant, relating further to the representation of your Government that the fine imposed upon the steamship Belgika, of the Compagnie [Page 80] Générale Beige des Philippines, for a violation of the regulations of the United States military authorities in the Philippine Islands, should be rescinded.
In reply I have the honor to inform you that the case was brought to the attention of the Secretary of War, and was carefully considered, but he was unable to recommend restitution of the fine imposed upon the owners of the Belgika.
The Department is therefore unable to comply with the request of your Government.
Accept, etc.,