Minister Barrett to the Secretary of State.

No. 131.]

Sir: Referring to recent correspondence in regard to American diplomatic and consular officers exercising their good offices, when necessary, in behalf of Chinese subjects, I have the honor to inclose a translation [Page 709] of an order just issued by the Panama Government and communicated to me by the foreign office.

I have, etc.,

John Barrett.
[Inclosure.—Translation.]

Republic of Panama National Executive Power.

No. 23.

At the request of the Government of the United States of America, made in the name of the Chinese Government, permission is hereby given to the American diplomatic and consular officials to lend their good offices, should they be required, in favor of the Chinese subjects resident on the Isthmus. Communicate to the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States in this capital as the result of his esteemed note of the 7th instant, as also to the governors for the information of the authorities within their jurisdiction. Copy and publish.

Sealed by His Excellency the President.

Santiago de la Guardia,
The Secretary of Government and Foreign Relations.