Mr. Bryan to Mr. Hay.
Lisbon , March 22, 1904 .
Sir: I have the honor to report that on receipt of your No. 33, of February 26, 1904, announcing the approaching visit to Lisbon of a [Page 703] large American squadron, I communicated the information contained therein to the foreign office.
The minister for foreign affairs verbally expressed to me the satisfaction that this Government experiences in the prospect of having so many of our finest war ships in Portuguese waters.
Yesterday, during a function at the Royal Palace, King Carlos heartily announced to me that a cordial welcome awaited our squadron. By many questions he manifested much interest concerning the warships expected and the officers in command of them.
I have, etc.,