The British Ambassador to the Secretary of State .

Sir: I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your note of this day’s date in which you state as follows:

“It not having been found feasible to complete the international commission provided for in the treaty of September 15, 1914, between the United States and Great Britain, looking to the advancement of the general cause of peace, within the time specified in the treaty, which expired on May 10, 1915, I have the honour to suggest for the consideration of your Government that the time within which the organization of the commission may be completed be extended by an exchange of notes from May 10, 1915, to January 1, 1916.

“Your formal notification in writing, of the same date as this, that your Government receives the suggestion favorably, will be regarded on this Government’s part as sufficient to give effect to the extension, [Page 414] and I shall be glad to receive your assurance that it will be so regarded by your Government also.”

I have the honour to inform you in reply that His Majesty’s Government accepts this suggestion made by the United States Government and that they regard the exchange of to-day’s notes as sufficient to give effect to the extension.

I have the honour to be, with the highest consideration, Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

Cecil Spring Rice.