File No. 763.72/3828
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page)
4676. Please express to the Foreign Office this Government’s gratification at the approaching visit of Mr. Balfour and the distinguished party which accompanies him. The American Government and people are deeply sensible of the honor done them and are particularly happy to have an opportunity to welcome to this country the Foreign Secretary whose efforts have so largely contributed to the cordial relations of the great English-speaking countries. It is earnestly hoped that Mr. Balfour and his private secretary, the general and the admiral, each accompanied by a staff officer, and the governor of the Bank of England, will consent to be the guests of the nation for a few days after their arrival in the United States. Since the party arrives at Halifax it would be the intention to meet them upon their arrival at the international border and escort them immediately to Washington.1 The other members of the party could come to Washington at their own convenience.
- The party, which was already on the ocean at this date, arrived in Washington Apr. 22. No papers are printed bearing on the ceremonial aspects of its visit nor on those of the missions from other Allied Governments.↩