Mr. Hay to Mr. Bowen.
Washington, December 24, 1902.
(Mr. Hay states that the inquiry as to the disposition of the Government of Venezuela about inviting the President of the United States to act as arbitrator was conditioned upon the action of the powers on the President’s suggestion of The Hague; and as it now seems probable that the powers may be willing to accept that suggestion if renewed by the President, instructs Mr. Bowen to urge with special earnestness that the Venezuelan Government inform the Government of the United States of their willingness to accept in principle The Hague tribunal. If they do so accept, the Department will at once cable to Mr. Bowen the terms of the propositions of Great Britain and Germany.)