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Oerial No. 131.
Department of State,
Amos P. Wilder, Esquire,
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sir,
xadorosa Isbiofob or
American Consul-General,
222
Washington, June 23, 1908.
Hongkong,
China.
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I have to acknowledge the receipt of your
unnumbered despatch of May 12, 1908, transmitting newspaper clippings which indicate that the people of Hongkong anticipate
the visit there of the United States Battleship Fleet.
The Department regrets that the report has been circulated that the United States accepted the invitation
of the Hongkong Government to the Battleship Fleet. The invita-
-tion in question, extended through the British Ambassador here,
was declined for the reason that, in carrying out the then
already determined itinerary of the fleet, which contemplated
the fleet's arrival in home waters in time to hold the annual
record target practice in Cuban waters during the month of
March next, it was found impracticable for the fleet to visit
Hongkong.
I am, etc.,
(sd.) W. J. Carr,
Chief Clerk,
for the Secretary of State.