Minister Moncheur to the Secretary of State .

[Translation.]
No. 555.]

Mr. Secretary of State: Your excellency knows that the Belgian Government, in the discharge of the mission with which it was intrusted, has transmitted to the several States concerned the two drafts of conventions concerning collisions and salvage at sea born of the deliberations of the international conference that met last year in Brussels.

The Government of the King has not, thus far, been furnished with the answers of all the powers, but it appears from communications already received that important adhesions are even now assured to the labors of the conference. The contemplated conventions have gained the approval of Germany, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, the Republic of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, the Independent State of Kongo, the United States of America, Mexico, Nicaragua, Roumania, and Russia. As for the governments which have not yet declared their views, they are at present engaged in studies and inquiries which justify the hope that they will likewise be induced to adhere to the resolutions of the Brussels Conference.

Such being the situation, it has been suggested to postpone until next spring the last meeting which, under the recommendation adopted by the conference at its session of October 20, 1905, was to [Page 78] take place within one year, that is to say, before the end of this month. This course would enable the States that have not yet reached a decision to complete the examination of the drafts, and would thus afford some assurance of the adhesions already declared and the expressions of favorable disposition be taken into consideration, that the next conference would have no other duty to perform than that of finally sanctioning the agreement among the maritime powers by signing the conventions.

I have the honor, Mr. Secretary of State, to bring the foregoing to your excellency’s knowledge, in compliance with the instructions of the minister for foreign affairs, and embrace this opportunity to renew, etc.,

Bn. Moncheur.