Mr. White to Mr. Foster.

No. 865.]

Sir: Referring to your instruction No. 951 of the 5th ultimo, and to my dispatch No. 841 of November 21, I have the honor to acquaint you that Lord Rosebery informed me during a recent interview which I had with his lordship in reference to other matters, that orders have been circulated by the admiralty to commanders of Her Majesty’s ships, directing them to recognize in the usual manner the United States consular agent in the Gilbert Islands.

I have, etc.,

Henry White.