Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 7, 1903

Mr. Hay to Mr. Dodge.

[Telegram—Paraphrase.]

Department of State,
Washington , December 5, 1902.

(Mr. Hay states that, at the request of J. and W. Seligman & Co., bankers, New York, who are trying to make an arrangement to effect a settlement of the Venezuelan debt, it gives him pleasure to say that the President would be glad if such an arrangement could be made as might obviate the necessity of any exhibition of force on the part of Germany and Great Britain. Mr. Dodge will understand, however, that the United States Government assumes no obligation whatever in the nature either of a material or moral guarantee of any liabilities created by the transaction.

This instruction is sent for Mr. Dodge’s information in case any one in interest makes inquiry of him.)