File No. 10044/68.

The Acting Secretary of State to Ambassador Leishman.

[Telegram.—Paraphrase.]

(Mr. Bacon informs Mr. Leishman that the Secretary of the Navy has detailed the schooner Scorpion, converted steam yacht, 850 tons displacement, 200 feet in length, with light saluting battery Says the vessel is ready for immediate departure as soon as the department can be assured informally that a request for permission to pass the Dardanelles will be granted with the understanding that she is to be stationed at Constantinople Mr. Bacon states that in the absence of such prior intimation the department would hesitate to make request.)