No. 508.
Mr. Fish to Mr. Westenberg.

Sir: Referring to your note of the 11th of March last, relative to the abolition of discriminating duties on goods, the product of countries east of the Cape of Good Hope, when imported from places west thereof, so far as such discrimination may operate directly against the commerce of the Netherlands, I have now the honor to inclose herewith, for your information, a copy of a letter of the 4th instant upon the subject, from the Acting Secretary of the Treasury.

Accept, &c,

HAMILTON FISH.
[Inclosure.]

Mr. Sawyer to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th ultimo, in which, calling attention to your previous letter of the 19th of March last, and its inclosure, a translation of a note from the Netherlands minister, in relation to the abolition of discriminating duties on goods, the product of countries east of the Cape of Good Hope, when imported from places west thereof, so far as such discrimination may operate directly against the commerce of the Netherlands, you ask that the same may be considered, and that you may be furnished with an expression of the views of this Department on the subject-matter thereof.

In reply, I would state that the delay on the part of this Department in answering such letter is owing to the fact that the question involved was submitted to the Solicitor of the Treasury, for opinion, and that no response has, as yet, been received from him. As soon as the opinion of the Solicitor is received, the Department will promptly communicate with you further on the subject.

I am, &c,

F. A. SAWYER.