The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway to the Secretary of State.

[Telegram.—Translation.]

In reply to your excellency’s telegram of the 4th of November, I have the honor to submit that the recognition of the dissolution of the union by the United States implies, according to international law, that Mr. Grip’s mission has come to a natural end, so far as Norway is concerned. In order to continue in this mission he should have new letters of credence, according to international precedents. The Norwegian Government therefore consider letters of recall to be out of the question, and none of the governments with which the Norwegian Government has entered into diplomatic relations has asked such [Page 866] letters under the circumstances. I hope that your excellency will see no objection to receiving Mr. Hauge in the capacity of chargé d’affaires of Norway, in accordance with the impression conveyed in your telegram of October 30.

Lövland.