Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 5, 1892

Mr. Foster to Baron Fava.

Department of State,
Washington, July 18, 1892.

My Dear Baron: As promised by me in our interview this morning, I take pleasure in herewith inclosing a copy of the letter from the Acting Secretary of the Navy, of the 18th instant, the original of which you read.

I desire to assure you of my cordial participation in the sentiments expressed by Mr. Soley.

Very truly yours,

John W. Foster.

[Inclosure.]

Mr. Soley to Mr. Foster.

Navy Department,
Washington, July 18, 1892.

Sir: The Department is informed, from unofficial sources, of a possibility that the steamer bearing the statue of Columbus, a gift of Italian-Americans to the city of New York, may be accompanied to the United States by a vessel of war of the Kingdom of Italy.

I have the honor, on behalf of the Navy Department, to say with what cordial satisfaction it views the prospect of such a visit, and to express the sincere hope that the Italian Government may decide to dispatch one of its war vessels upon this occasion of special interest to the two nations.

I would further say that in case of the arrival of an Italian vessel of war in our waters, above all, upon such a mission, it will be the agreeable duty of the Navy Department to tender to it a most cordial welcome, worthy of such an honored visitor, and expressive of the strong and loyal sentiment of friendship with which this country regards the Government and people of Italy.

I have etc.,

James R. Soley,
Acting Secretary of the Navy.