File No. 4001/18.

The British Chargé to the Acting Secretary of State.

No. 14.]

Sir: With reference to our conversation of the 19th instant at the State Department, I have the honor to inform you that His Majesty’s Government gratefully appreciate the suggested offer on the part of the United States Government to render further assistance, either in the form of monetary contribution or otherwise, to the sufferers from the Kingston earthquake.

I am, however, instructed by Sir Edward Grey to reply that, while as yet no telegram has been received from the governor of Jamaica giving details as to what is required, further calls on the generosity of the United States will probably not be justified, now that the [Page 564] difficulties created during the first few days after the disaster have been overcome.

I am further instructed by His Majesty’s principal secretary of state for foreign affairs to express to you the cordial appreciation of His Majesty’s Government for the prompt and valuable assistance afforded by the chief engineer on the Panama Canal works in sending a special steamer to Jamaica with all available supplies and tents, as reported by the British consul at Panama.

I have also the honor to express to you herewith the thanks of the governor and people of Jamaica for the sympathy of the American people, and for the very prompt and valuable service rendered by Rear-Admiral Davis and the officers and men of the American naval squadron, who visited Kingston for that purpose. The governor adds that their grateful thanks are also due to Lieutenant-Commander Anderson, who brought surgical aid and assistance in a torpedo boat.

I have, etc.,

Esme Howard.