The Secretary of State to Chargé Sleeper.

No. 580.]

Sir: The department has read with attention your dispatch No. 1438 of the 13th instant, in which you report your interview with the secretary of state, Mr. O’Farrill, and inclose his response to your note in reference to the carrying out by Cuba of her treaty engagements in the matter of the sanitation of the cities of that island.

The response of the secretary of state is very unsatisfactory, in that it gives little promise or assurance of an early compliance with the treaty engagements. This Government thinks the time has come when there should be action. You will so inform the Cuban Government.

I am, etc.,

E. Root.