Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 6, 1904

Mr. de Obaldía to Mr. Hay.

[Translation.]

Legation of Panama,
Washington, August 19, 1904.

My Dear Mr. Secretary: I take pleasure in answering your courteous note of yesterday.

I had knowledge of Mr. Bunau-Varilla’s note of the 19th of January last, addressed to you, before submitting to your Department my statement of the 11th instant.

Notwithstanding the views set forth in that note, I could not base my argument on any document other than the Hay-Bunau-Varilla treaty.

The motives that actuated me in taking this course can not escape your sagacious perspicacity.

With my best thanks for the sending of a copy of the said note, I avail etc.,

J. D. de Obaldía.