No. 279.
Mr. West to Mr. Frelinghuysen.
Sir: Referring to your note of the 28th of November last, I have the honor to inform you that Earl Granville has requested me to state that representations were made to the Colombian Government in the year 1880 in regard to the custody of the papers of foreign vessels, but that it was thought advisable to defer further action in the matter until some experience could be obtained of the operation of the compromise then proposed by the Colombian Government. No representation appears to have been since made from any quarter, nor have the matters complained of in the district of Panama been brought to the knowledge of Her Majesty’s Government. In thanking you for your communication on this subject, Earl Granville requests me to inform you that Her Majesty’s minister at Bogota will be instructed to co operate with the representative of the United States at that capital with regard to the proceedings complained of in Panama.
I have, &c.,