Mr. Winthrop to Mr.
Hay.
American Legation,
Madrid, October 6,
1904.
No. 281.]
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your unnumbered dispatch of September 23, 1904, requesting
this legation to procure for the Department copies of the neutrality
proclamations issued by the Government of Spain during the war between
Russia and Japan.
In accordance therewith, I have the honor to inclose a copy of the Gaceta
de Madrid of February 11, 1904, containing the only proclamation issued
by the Government of Spain.
I may add that it is not the Spanish custom to publish such proclamations
separately.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
Minister of State,
Section of Political
Affairs[, undated].
Hostilities having unfortunately broken out between Russia and Japan,
owing to the attack of the latter power on the Russian squadron
anchored in the outer roads of Port Arthur, according to a note of
the ambassador of the Russian Empire at this court to-day, the
Government of His Majesty deems it a duty to enjoin the strictest
neutrality on Spanish subjects, in accordance with the laws in force
and with the principles of international public law.
In consequence whereof it is hereby announced that Spaniards residing
in Spain or abroad, who shall commit any hostile act which may be
considered contrary to the most absolute neutrality, shall forfeit
the right to the protection of His Majesty’s Government and shall
suffer the consequence of any measure adopted by the belligerents,
without prejudice to the penalties which they may incur in
accordance with the laws of Spain.
Any agents, whether nationals or foreigners, engaging in or promoting
the recruiting of soldiers for either of the belligerent armies or
squadrons, within Spanish territory, shall be likewise punished,
according to article 150 of the penal code.
