Mr. Hay to Mr. Choate.
Washington, June 27, 1899.
Sir: At the beginning of the recent war with Spain the diplomatic and consular representatives of Her Majesty accredited to the Spanish Government generously undertook the protection of the interests of American citizens and the transaction of necessary public business in behalf of the Government of the United States during the continuance of the war. Diplomatic relations having now been reestablished between this Government and that of Spain, it is desired that the cordial thanks of the Government of the United States be extended through the foreign office of Great Britain to the diplomatic and consular representatives of Her Majesty, and especially to Sir H. Drummond Wolff, Her Majesty’s ambassador to the Court of Madrid, for their friendly offices to this Government and its citizens during the suspension of diplomatic relations. You are therefore requested to address to Lord Salisbury a suitable note conveying the expression of the appreciation with which the Government of the United States has received the valuable services of Her Majesty’s representatives in the reception and care of the archives of the legation at Madrid, the protection afforded to American interests in Spain and the Spanish colonies, and the good offices exercised for this Government, with the [Page 349] request that its most grateful thanks be extended to Sir H. Drummond Wolff and the other officers of the British Government who have been instrumental in serving the United States.
I have, etc.,