File No. 711.1216M/301.

The Acting Secretary of State to the American Ambassador.

No. 551.]

Sir: I enclose herewith a copy of a letter from the Acting Secretary of the Interior, transmitting correspondence from which it appears that work on the Colorado River protective works is about to be resumed, but that the Mexican official inspector has advised the American engineer in charge that he believes that the permit and privileges granted by Mexico in this case have expired. I also enclose copies of previous diplomatic correspondence relating to the construction of these works.1

You will say to the Foreign Office that it is desired soon to renew the construction along the Lower Colorado River of the protective works begun but uncompleted last winter. It is very desirable and apparently necessary that such works be entirely finished before the flood-water season of next spring. The Government of the United States would, therefore, be pleased if the Government of Mexico would issue the appropriate orders to customs officials and other interested officers, so that the work may be proceeded with and speedily completed under the arrangements heretofore entered into between the two governments.

I am [etc.]

Huntington Wilson.