File No. 412.00.

The Secretary of State to the American Ambassador.

No. 398.]

Sir: The Department has received your No. 634, of the 7th instant, with reference to the desire of the diplomatic representatives accredited to Mexico to take concerted action in bringing the claims of their respective nationals to the attention of the Mexican authorities with a view to securing prompt action and the settlement of all claims upon the same basis, thus obviating any complaints of favoritism or special consideration on the part of those claimants who may think that they have not been properly indemnified. In this connection you enclose a copy of a note from the Spanish Minister and state that he has since indicated to you that he has trustworthy information to the effect that the Mexican Government has already come to some decision which it is believed will satisfactorily dispose of the question.

The Department would like to receive a report from you in regard to what plans, if any, there may have been proposed, or any suggestions that may have been made among the members of the diplomatic corps with reference to this matter.

It may be observed in this connection that this Department hopes that a speedy and satisfactory settlement of the claims of American citizens may be effected, and for this purpose it is willing to acquiesce in any proper and adequate plan of adjustment.

I am [etc.]

P. C. Knox.