The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Brazil ( Morgan)

[Telegram]

Department advised by Western Union Telegraph Co. that concession obtained from Brazilian Government by O’Shaughnessy for a submarine cable between Brazil and one of the Greater Antilles is not acceptable to the company because certain amendments to the concession were refused by the Brazilian Government. One of these amendments was intended to give the company the right to lay the cable between Brazil and the Antilles “directly or indirectly.” The other amendment was intended to give the company the right to land at some point other than Belem in the State of Para. Western Union Telegraph believes refusal of these amendments due to influence of Western Telegraph Co.

Consult with O’Shaughnessy and if possible help him obtain desired amendments to concession as this Government is very much interested in the laying of American cables.

Polk