C.O.
13859
374
RECO
FOREIGN OFFICE. REG JUN
May 31st, 1899.
1400.
Sir:-
I have laid before the Marquess of Salisbury your letter 11400/99 of the 17th instant in which you forward a Despatch from the Governor of Hongkong enquiring whether the annexation of the Hawaiian Islands by the United States of America has been officially recognised by Her Majesty's Government.
In reply to your enquiry as to what answer should be returned to this question I am to state, for the information of Mr. Secretary Chamberlain, that Her Majesty's Government recognise the annexation of these Islands as having taken place although no official communications formally recording the fact have passed between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States.
I am,
Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant,
F. H. Villiers,
Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office.