Mr. Adee to Mr. Storer.
Washington, August 30, 1901.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Sickles’s No. 515, of the 17th ultimo, inclosing copy of a letter from Isabelo de los Reyes, requesting amnesty and permission to return to the Philippine Islands, provided this Government will guarantee his personal liberty and security.
The matter was referred to the Secretary of War for his consideration.
Mr. Root regards it as unwise to issue any guaranty to Mr. de los Reyes. He states that if the applicant goes to Manila, takes the oath of allegiance, and conducts himself in conformity with existing laws, there is no intention to prosecute him for past acts. The Secretary adds, however, that neither the applicant’s record nor his present importance calls for special favor from this Government.
This Department understands Mr. de los Reyes’s letter as not involving any question of the issuance of a passport nor certification of his status as a native of the Philippines. He is understood merely to surrender and to ask to be permitted to return to the Philippines.
I am, etc.,
Acting Secretary.