Mr. Townsend to Mr. Hay.
Brussels, July 24, 1899. (Received Aug. 7.)
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of dispatch No. 7, dated July 10, 1899, and to inform the Department that, in conformity with instructions contained therein, I have urged upon the Belgian Government to so alter the existing regulations in regard to the importation of American cattle that the animals may be slaughtered at any time within ten days from the date of their arrival on Belgian soil. I have also pointed out to the minister for foreign affairs that the present restrictions placed upon the importation of American cattle by the Belgian Government actually prevented such importation and formed a barrier to the development of trade between the two countries.
I have, etc.,