Office of the Historian

File No. 594/27–35.

The Acting Secretary of State to Minister Gummeré.

Department of State,
Washington, April 13, 1909.
No. 182.]

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your unnumbered dispatch of the 16th ultimo transmitting correspondence with the Shereefian Government concerning its promise to allow American missionaries to reside in the Moorish quarter of Mequinez.

It is not seen how the matter can be more strongly presented than by your letter to the Sid Mohamed of March 15th. You should press for a prompt and favorable response. You may take occasion to support your demand by oral representation, emphasizing the attitude of the United States toward the Shereefian Government and people as one of consistent and benevolent good will, abundantly justifying the expectation of reciprocal manifestation of friendly consideration on the part of His Majesty and the responsible exponents of His Majesty’s will.

Any other course would not comport with the friendly spirit which the United States so earnestly desires should control the relations between the two Governments.

I am, etc.,

Huntington Wilson.