In October, 1897, the minister of Spain at this capital verbally advised
the undersigned that so soon as the new government in Spain had leisure
to take up the question he would probably be authorized to enter into
negotiations with the undersigned for reciprocal trade arrangements with
Spain, and that a representative of Cuba would probably be associated
for the interests of that island.
Under date of December 9, 1897, the minister of the United States at
Madrid was instructed to ascertain the disposition of the Spanish
Government in respect to these negotiations.
Under date of January 24, 1898, a dispatch from Mr. Woodford (referred
to this office) advised the Secretary of State that arrangements were
made for the negotiation of a commercial treaty between Spain and the
United States; that separate provisions would be made for Cuba, and that
the Cuban insular government would appoint a delegate to represent that
island in the negotiations. This was accompanied by a memorandum from
the Spanish minister of colonies, stating that the same rules as for
Cuba might be applied to Puerto Rico, and suggesting a basis for the
negotiations. This communication was referred to this office on the 4th
of February.
On the 6th of February the Spanish minister, Mr. Dupuy de Lôme, called
on the undersigned and announced that he was authorized to represent
Spain in the pending negotiations and that a special representative
would arrive from Cuba, under appointment of the insular government, to
act as far as the interests of that island were involved. He mentioned
the name of Señor Angulo as the gentleman who had been suggested in Cuba
for that appointment; but the delegate was not officially notified to
this office.
On March 17 a note from the Spanish minister, Señor Polo y Bernabé,
addressed, under date of the 16th instant, to the Secretary of State,
was referred to this office. In that note his excellency advised this
Government of his appointment by Her Majesty the Queen Regent of Spain
to conduct these negotiations, assisted by Señor Manuel Rafael Angulo as
special delegate of the insular government of Cuba, who would be aided
by two technical assistants, also appointed by the Cuban government;
and, further, that an officer from the treasury department would be
added in the same character.
His excellency announced his readiness to commence the labors of the
commission so soon as the Government of the United States should
formulate the general plan for carrying on the work.
Respectfully submitted, March 17, 1898.