Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-11-27


any symptoms of disaecon in the authorities, to give
immediate notice to the King, it would be greyous
thing FOR his Majesty to lose the Havana
have thought it my duty to make these circumstances
known your Excelency May God keep you many
Ell C0NDE DE LA ALCUDlA.
His Excellency the FIRST SECRETARY or STATE.
III. A. H. EUereh TO The Secretary Of State.
[Extractl
mo e. CONFIDENTIAL MADRID DECEMBER L. 1927.
SIR have intended ever since | received the infor-
nation respecting the British intrigue for revoutonizng
the Island of Cuba and the Canaries to communicate
with this Government upon the subject at the earliest
favorable opportunity The unsettled state OF the Ad
ministraon for time after and then the departure
Of the King and the only effective Minister for Catalonia
together with the urgent character Of their occupations
in that quarter rendered it of nexpedent for the
time 10 direct their attention TO any other AFFAIRS how
IN themselves important l should probably have
adjourned the matter until after the King return which
is expected about the middle of January had not the
Government recently shown disposition to terminate at
once the negotiation respecting ndemntes 1t struck
me that free communication with the Minister upon
the subject alluded to, would naturally produce more
friendly and confidential feeling towards the United States
which might possibly have favorable effect upon the
decision Of this question In the conversations which
have recently had with Mr. Salmon, | have accordingly
taken occasion to suggest without of course mentioning
from what quarter the information had been received,
that the Government of the United States had to
suppose that the British Government had organized
plan for reyolutionizng the islands, and inquired Of
him whether this Government had any knowledge of the
proceedings. Mr.. Salmon seemed little surprised at
the tenor Of my remarks but replied that this Govern
ent had in fact received information months ago
that the British Government had frigae to the
Canares and to Cuba for the purpose Of accommodating
the state OF the preparations for defence those islands,
and of establishing relations with such disconnected per-
might be found there He had heard nothing
respecting the results Of this expedition and believed
that thus far every thing tranquil and secure The
Government, he said, placed great dependence the
nf the n N yhI hpv
believed quite competent the island against
any hostile enterprise, foreign or domestic.
then mentioned to Mr. Salmon that, according to the
information which the Government of the United States
islands under the protection of Great Britain but that
the form of declaration of independence to be
adopted in order TO avoid awakening the jealousy Of the
United States that the United States would not of
be deceived by this arce that they could view with
Indifference these of the British Government
considering it. they did, settled principle that the
island must in no event pass into the possession of
under the protection Of any European Power other than
Spain that it their desire to derive any
sion OF territory other direct advantage from the
which they might be compelled 10 take in the affairs of
Cuba, by the result Of this intrigue but on the contrary
TO employ their influence should II be necessary IN the
agreeable the wishes and the interest Of
his Majesty; and l minated TO him that the moment
seemed to be favorable for full and free commu
ncaon OF intentions and opinions respecting the state of
this island and of the American colonies in general than
had yet taken place between the Powers suggest
ed him., at the time, that it would, in my opin-
ion contribute materially the establishment of good
understanding between them $50 desirable, every &C
count at the present moment II his Majestys Govern
would consent to arrange Immediately, 10 the salts
faction Of the United States the several questions
under negotiation. Mr. Salmon appeared TO be good
deal in what had said upon the subject and
requested give him note Of the principal parcu-
lars that he might be able to make them known with
precision TO the other Ministers l have accordingly
prepared short confidential memorandum upon the sub
iect which shall hand him the next time see him, and
of which copy is herewith transmitted No results
be expected from these communications in reference
the general subject of the colonies of the
Island Of Cuba, until after the return of the King and
Mr. Calomarde If they have any immediate effect, 1t
can only be upon the decision Of the minor matters in
negotiation between the Governments and especially
the indemnity question. On this latter point am not
at all sanguine but have considered it my duty try
the chance.
Hon HENRY CLAY, Secretary Of State.