File No. 2126/367.
The Secretary of State to Minister Furniss.
Washington, December 11, 1908.
Mr. Root acknowledges telegrams of even date, and states that no formal act of recognition is necessary or expedient, as the note addressed to him sufficiently indicates the merely provisional character of the writer’s function. Mr. Furniss is directed to answer that, in the absence of constituted government and pending the institution thereof, he must look to the temporary power as de facto responsible for order and the fulfillment of international duties, and will have pleasure in communicating with the provisional councillor should the interests of the United States or of its citizens so require.