Mr. Loomis to Mr. Choate.
General Foster has received from Sifton, British agent, a letter dated Ottawa, July 29, in which he suggests that about October 15 would be a suitable time for preliminary meeting of tribunal to organize, settle questions of procedure, fix time when oral argument will begin, and deal with any other questions presented. He incloses copies of the letter to me to be forwarded to American members of tribunal, and asks me to obtain their views on the proposition. General Foster has answered him by letter, stating that more than three months ago Ambassador Choate informed British Government that our printed argument would be delivered in London by September 3, and that it was desired that oral argument should begin as soon after that date as possible, and in a letter June 19 to Attorney-General Finlay he repeated this notice, and stated that the American members of the tribunal must return to the United States not later than last of October; that Sifton’s absence from London may have prevented him being conversant with these facts, but British Government was fully informed. General Foster stated that it was difficult for him to communicate promptly with American members, as two had already sailed for London, and third about to sail in order to be in season for the expected session September 3. He, Sifton, must, however, have been informed by the communications of our Government that the American members could not agree to his proposition. General Foster reiterated the various communications, showing their official duties would not admit of any postponement of periods named in treaty, and notified Sifton that our printed argument would be delivered in London on 3d September, and that American agent and counsel expect to sail for London the 21st instant.
You will address to the foreign office a note repeating the notice already given to the British Government that the Government of the United States earnestly desires and expects the tribunal to assemble September 3, and will say, furthermore, that the President will find himself unable to consent to any further postponement.
Acting Secretary.