Lindstrand to M. De Carvajal, October 16, 1873

Mr. Lindstrand to Mr. Carvajal.

Mr. Minister: In a dispatch which I have just received, the government of the King, my august sovereign, referring to the desire expressed by that of the United States of America to obtain its co-operation in the representations which the minister of the United States at Madrid has been instructed to make to the Spanish government concerning the customs laws of the island of Cuba, instructs me to co-operate in such measures as it may be deemed necessary to adopt for the purpose of securing a modification of these laws.

While I have the honor hereby to obey this superior order, I think that it is not necessary for me to enter into any minute statements, inasmuch as the motives set forth in the note of General Sickles of this date are entirely in harmony with the views of the government of the King. The necessity of a simplification of the custom-house regulations, as well as of a mitigation of penalties, are therein clearly demonstrated; the obstacles which these laws place in the way of the development of international relations are constantly giving rise to complaints, which daily become more urgent on the part of merchants and navigators, and it is evident that the adoption of a new régime, which will do away with all annoying and superfluous formalities, and proportion the penalties inflicted to the offense, cannot fail to exercise the most salutary influence upon commerce between the island of Cuba and foreign countries. The time seems to me to have arrived for the introduction of the desired reforms, and I feel confident that the Spanish government, desirous of giving us evidence of the lofty sentiments which actuate it, will view this step with favor, and adopt a decision in accordance with the legitimate desires of those interested.

I avail myself, &c.,