File No. 837.55/30.
Minister Gonzales to the Secretary of State.
Habana, May 22, 1915.
Referring to instructions of May 17.
Hearing President was suddenly leaving Capital, I presented case to him in writing and notified Chinese Chargé d’Affaires. This morning a letter from President’s secretary conveys President’s regret at inability to comply with our wishes. He says:
In view of agreement entered into with the Chinese Chargé d’Affaires a decree was issued April 9 last extending to May 31, the time granted by decree of November 31, 1914, for admission into this country of all those Chinese holding certificates issued by the Chinese Legation of Havana prior to date mentioned allowing them to appear in the list of names sent to the Department of State in accordance with the rules established in the decree of December 31, 1914. Taking into consideration the above facts, His Excellency feels that he can not legally modify the decree in question by granting the concession solicited.
As to the proposed treaty the President promises to give it his special attention.