Mr. Hay to Sir Michael H. Herbert.
Washington, February 6, 1903.
Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your note of the 6th of February, which I have submitted to the President. He charges me to say that, although he appreciates fully the honor done him by this renewed offer from the British, the German, and the Italian Governments to act as arbitrator between those Governments and that of Venezuela, yet in the present situation, considering that his services in that capacity would not substantially expedite the conclusion of the pending negotiation, he sees no reason for changing the view he has hitherto held, that in such a case the high court of The Hague, [Page 475] which was created by the principal civilized powers for precisely such emergencies, is preferable to any individual chief of state.
He requests me, therefore, in expressing his conviction that it would not be best for him to accept the honorable service you have suggested, to express also his grateful appreciation of your confidence.
I am, etc.,