Baron Moncheur to the Secretary of State.
Hamilton, Mass., July 8, 1906.
Mr. Secretary of State: As you are aware, it was decided, when the second session of the international conference on maritime law that met at Brussels in October, 1905, at which the United States was represented, that a final meeting would be called by the Belgian Government within a year if the powers should not in the meanwhile agree to sign the draft conventions relative to collisions and assistance at sea, framed by the conference.
As already pointed out by my Government, there would not seem to be any imperative necessity for another meeting, the question having been elaborately discussed. If, however, the governments interested should think that the draft conventions require final joint examination, the Belgian Government would readily assent to reconvening the delegates of the several States.
In view of arrangements that would have to be made, my Government is very desirous of knowing what are, in this respect, the intentions of the States that were represented last year at the Brussels conference. I am therefore instructed, Mr. Secretary of State, again to bring this matter to your favorable attention. My Government would attach the highest importance to knowing as soon as possible the views of the Government of the United States on this point.
Since I had the honor of addressing you my communication of May 5 last, the Government of Chile may be added to the list of the powers which have adhered to the two drafts of convention framed by the Brussels conference.
Be pleased to accept, etc.,