[Untitled]
Washington , November 7, 1905 .
To the diplomatic officers of the United States.
Gentlemen: I transmit herewith copies of the proclamation issued by the President on the 29th of March last, inviting, in the name of the Government and people of the United States, the Government to which you are accredited to take part in an international naval, marine, and military celebration in 1907, at and near the waters of Hampton Roads, in the State of Virginia, in commemoration of the birth of the American nation, the first permanent settlement of English-speaking people on the American continent, made at Jamestown, Va., on the 13th day of May, 1607.
I also inclose copies of the act of Congress in pursuance of which the proclamation was issued, by which you will see that the sum of $125,000 is appropriated for the entertainment of foreign naval and military representatives.
While the event to be celebrated was one with which the people of England alone were connected, the President, the Congress, and the people of the United States are not unmindful of the recognition due to the courageous and hardy navigators and colonists of other nations who laid the foundations of permanent settlements in America; and it is most fitting that the act of Congress and the proclamation of the President should include all the nations of the earth who have yielded so many of their sons to make prosperity the destiny of the United States.
In communicating the invitation you will make known the great pleasure with which the President will learn of the intention of the Government to which you are accredited to participate in the celebration by the sending of its naval vessels and such representation of its military organizations as it may deem proper.
Contemporaneously with this celebration authorized by the Government of the United States there will be held an international exposition on the shores of the great harbor under the auspices of the Jamestown. Exposition Company, the interests of which I shall be pleased to have you promote by lending your assistance in all proper [Page 2] ways to its duly accredited representatives who may present themselves to you.
I inclose some literature which the company has supplied for your information.
I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant,
Inclosures as stated.