Mr. Loomis to Mr. Raikes.
Washington, August 14, 1903.
My Dear Mr. Chargé: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 10th instant, applying, on behalf of Mr. Clifford Sifton, for permission to inspect, photograph, or make certified copies of the original Russian documents, translations of which are given in the appendix to the counter case of the United States before the Alaskan Boundary Tribunal, and stating that the British agent desires permission to make copies of certain plans or maps mentioned therein. You also inform me that Mr. Sifton supposes that the originals of the numerous depositions printed in the appendix to the counter cas’e will be available for inspection in London during the course of the hearing before the tribunal.
In reply, I have the honor to inform you that all the documents produced in the case and counter case of the United States required to be used in London are now being packed for transportation, and that in view of the early departure of the agent of the United States for London, and of the necessity that all books, documents, maps, etc., be transported at the same time, it is now too late to have the inspection requested take place in Washington, but that ample facilities will be afforded in London for the inspection of all documents the production of which he [the British agent] is entitled to ask.
I am, etc.,
Acting Secretary of State,