CO129-348 - Governor Sir Lugard - 1908 [7-10] — Page 225

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Oerial No. 131.

Department of State,

Amos P. Wilder, Esquire,

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sir,

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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.