No. 304.
I have the honour, under Instructions
from His   ;ajesty's Principal Secretary of State
for Foreign Affaire, to enquire whether, if Spain
and Portugal should become involved in hostilities,
the United states Government would be good enough
to undertake the protection of porsons, property
and intereets for whoso protection His Majesty's
Ambassadors in Spain and Portugal, and consular
officers under their supcrintendnce, are nor;;ially
responsible.
Should the United states Government be
willing to undertake the above charges, I am to
request that the United states diplomatic and
consular officers in Spain and Portugal may be
authorized to act accordingly, and concert in
advance with their British colleagues the necessary
arrangements in the event of the United States
mission (a) remaining at the capital, or (b)
evacuating it if the Government concerned has to
do so.
I have the honour to bo,
with the highest consideration,
sir.
Your most obedient, humble servant,
(Sfld.) LOTHIAN.
The Honourable
Cordell null,
Secretary of state of the
United States, NIiB:ERHH:ACBM:KIP
•vashington, D.C.