Sir Julian Pauncefote to the Secretary of State.
Washington, April 27, 1898.
Pro Memoria.]
In a note dated the 5th instant the United States Government requested the undersigned to obtain permission by telegraph from the Canadian government for four vessels to proceed from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic coast through the canals that are under the control of the Dominion of Canada.
The permission was immediately granted, and the vessels, two of which are armed revenue cutters, are now in Lake Ontario, awaiting the opening of navigation. Since then war has been declared between the United States and Spain, and the usual proclamation of neutrality has been issued by the Queen.
After careful consideration, Her Majesty’s Government are of opinion that permission given before the outbreak of war for the four United States vessels to pass through the canals should not now be withdrawn, provided that the United States Government are willing to give an assurance that the vessels in question will proceed straight to a United States port without engaging in any hostile operation.
Her Majesty’s Government are further of the opinion that the vessels should not be furnished with more coal and stores than are necessary to take them to New York or some other United States port within easy reach.
In communicating the above to the United States Government, the undersigned has the honor to express the hope that the assurance desired by Her Majesty’s Government will at once be given, in order that the facilities granted before the outbreak of war in respect of the four vessels above mentioned may still be extended without any breach of neutrality.