837.00/3871: Telegram

The Ambassador in Cuba ( Welles ) to the Secretary of State

249. Admiral Freeman advises me this morning that the French despatch boat Dentorereaux, now at Charleston, South Carolina, is under orders to proceed to Habana Friday September 15th. The French Minister 2 days ago advised me that he had requested that the projected visit to Habana be indefinitely postponed. The visit here of a foreign war ship would undoubtedly complicate matters considerably and it is my earnest hope as it is that of Admiral Freeman that no such visit be made at this time.

I suggest that the French Embassy in Washington be advised of the circumstances with the hope that the orders which have apparently been given notwithstanding the request of the French Minister here be modified.

Welles