No. 124.
Mr. Evarts to Mr. Asta-Buruaga.
Washington, February 10, 1880.
Sir: Your note of the 15th of December last, in relation to a rumor that a torpedo boat was about to be shipped from Bristol, R. L, for the use of the Allies in the present war with Chili, was duly received. In reply I have the honor to observe that the facts, as now within the knowledge of this Department, do not constitute any sufficient ground of criminal action against the builders of the craft, such as would necessarily follow the preliminary measures prescribed in our neutrality statutes.
I have the honor, however, to add that I have requested my colleague of the Treasury to cause a watch to be kept on the movements of the suspicious craft to which your note refers, in order that any evident intent to violate the neutrality laws may be at once reported and acted upon.
Accept, &c.