Mr. Storer to Mr. Hay.

No. 131.]

Sir: I have the honor to report that last evening I received the official answer of the Government of Austria-Hungary to the request for permission to visit Trieste and Fiume, as well as to remain in Austro-Hungarian waters, on the part of our fleet.

It will be seen from the copy and translation I have the honor to inclose that the answer is in the affirmative. * * *

I have, etc.,

Bellamy Storer.
[Inclosure.—Translation.]

Mr. Mérey to Mr. Storer.

In reply to the highly esteemed note of the 2d instant the Imperial and Royal ministry of foreign affairs has the honor most respectfully to bring to the [Page 47] knowledge of his excellency the ambassador of the United States of America, Mr. Bellamy Storer, that the Imperial and Royal Government awaits with pleasure the intended visit to the ports of Trieste and Fiume by an American squadron consisting of nine ships.

The undersigned avails himself at the same time of this opportunity to renew, etc.

For the minister.
Mérey.