File No. 21891/18.

The Chilean Chargé to the Secretary of State.

No. 10.]

Sir: Referring to the invitation extended by the Government of Chile, through this legation, to your excellency’s Government to be represented at the festivities commemorative of the first centennial of our national independence, which is to be celebrated on September 18 next, and to the favorable reception given to that invitation by the Government of the United States, I have the honor to inform your excellency that I have received by cable instructions to ask that your excellency will, if possible, kindly let me know the number, names, and rank of the chiefs and of each commanding officer of the vessels of the First Division of the Pacific Squadron which are to visit Valparaiso on the above-stated date. The naval review which will be had at Valparaiso on the occasion of the festivities will take place on the 14th of September and I venture, under my instructions, to suggest to your excellency the advisability of having the American division arrive at that port not later than the 10th of that month, so as to give it appropriate anchorage.

The date of September 12 has been set for the beginning of the festivities above referred to, and my Government would highly [Page 191] appreciate it if the delegation that will represent your excellency’s Government on that occasion were in Santiago before the 12th of September, the last day on which his Excellency the President of the Republic will have the opportunity to receive the credentials of the foreign special representatives whom my Government is prepared to receive as guests of the nation on and from the 10th of said month.

I renew, etc.,

A. Yoacham.