Mr. Leishman to Mr. Hay.

[Telegram.—Paraphrase.]

(Mr. Leishman reports that the foreign office is very anxious that the fleet should not come here, giving assurance that the promised reply will be given not later than Thursday. The reports from Washington seem to have induced this Government to realize that it is necessary for it to act; suggests that, if the plans of the Department are not interfered with thereby, the proposed visit of the fleet be delayed until after Thursday.)