Sir Julian Pauncefote to Mr. Hay.
Washington, April 15, 1899.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I learn, from a telegram addressed to me by the Marquis of Salisbury, that, according to reports sent by the British vice-consul at Antofagasta, in Chile, a revolution has broken out in Bolivia, and that British lives and property are urgently in need of protection in that country.
As there are no British representatives, either diplomatic or consular, in Bolivia, I am instructed to inquire whether your Government would be so good as to instruct the United States minister there to protect British subjects and interests should such protection be necessary, and thereby confer on Her Majesty’s Government a favor which would be much appreciated?
I have, etc.,