File No. 2956/1.

The Acting Secretary of State to Minister Bryan.

No. 126.]

Sir: Referring to the department’s No. 108, of December 18, and your No. 291, of March 5 last, in regard to the arrest of Frank Fratus (Freitas) for failure to perform military service, I have to say that the position assumed by the Portuguese Government in this case, and as reported by the American consul at Funchal, appears to differ in some material respects from that stated in the circular of February 11, 1901.

The department would be pleased to have you make a careful investigation of the laws relating to the Portuguese military service, and of their interpretation by that Government, in order that the circular may be amended, if necessary.

I am, etc.,

Robert Bacon.