Mr. Hay to Mr. von Holleben.
Washington, December 17, 1901.
Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 5th instant relative to the frequency with which desertions are taking place from German merchants’ vessels on the Pacific coast.
I have brought the matter to the attention of the governors of California and Oregon, and I have also requested the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney-General to instruct the officers under their respective Departments on the Pacific coast to render such assistance as may enable the German consular officers on that coast to deal effectually with deserters from German vessels.
The inclosure in your note—the letter of October 26 last, from Rickmers Reismühlen Rhederei & Schiffbau Stock Company—is returned, in compliance with your request.
Accept, etc.