Baron Saurma to Mr. Gresham.

[Translation.]

Mr. Secretary of State: In the latter half of June of this year the Northern Baltic Canal will be solemnly opened by His Majesty the Emperor and King.

His Majesty will be very much pleased if the naval powers would take part in this important ceremony by sending men-of-war to Kiel, and at least one dispatch boat to join the procession through the canal.

In having the honor, by order of the Emperor, to advise your excellency of the above, and at the same time to express the hope that the Government of the United States will participate in the proposed ceremony, may I ask in that event you would be good enough now to acquaint me with the names of the war ships and of their commanders that are to be sent to Kiel.

I beg to reserve for a more definite communication reference to the day of the ceremony and to the programme of the festivities.

Accept, etc.,

Saurma.