File No. 811.607G/829.

[Untitled]

To the Diplomatic and Consular Officers of the United States.

Gentlemen: It has been brought to the attention of the Department by the president of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition that the impression prevails in various quarters that the Government of the United States evinces no particular concern in the success of the exposition, and that if it were publicly announced that the Government takes an interest in the exposition as a national undertaking and as a part of the governmental celebration of the opening of the Panama Canal it would be of service and assistance in securing participation by foreign Governments in the exposition.

The Department is of the opinion that the invitation extended on behalf of the Government and people of the United States to the nations of the earth by the President’s proclamation and the representations made by the diplomatic officers of the United States to foreign Governments under the Department’s instruction of February 5, 1912, should leave nothing to be desired in the way of showing the interest taken by this Government in the exposition and its wish that all nations should participate therein.

This interest in the exposition by the Government of the United States has been further manifested by the various provisions made by the Congress of the United States, of which you have been informed from time to time.

The Department is of the opinion that it would not be becoming to the dignity of this Government to make further representations to foreign Governments in this regard. It desires, however, that, should it come to your knowledge that any impression prevails in any quarter that the Government of the United States is in any way lacking in interest and support of the exposition, you will endeavor to overcome such impression by stating that the Government of the United States is deeply interested in the success of the exposition, that it is extending and will continue to extend to that undertaking every possible assistance, and that it considers the exposition an enterprise in which the people of the United States feel a patriotic pride.

I am [etc.]

W. J. Bryan
.