Rich’d Assheton Cross to John Welsh, June 28, 1878

Mr. Cross to Mr. Welsh.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 18th instant, inclosing a copy of a telegram from Mr. Evarts, wherein it is stated that the United States Government regard as quite in accordance with the terms of the invitation extended by them to Her Majesty’s Government the statement contained in the Marquis of Salisbury’s note of the 11th instant, that Her Majesty’s Government are quite willing to attend a conference called by the United States Government to consider freely, in all its bearings, the subject of the standards of currency used in various countries, and the relations which exist or can be established between them.

I now beg to acquaint you that the United States Government appear, from the above-quoted telegram, to apprehend correctly the position which Her Majesty’s Government are prepared to take up with regard to the proposed conference, it being always clearly understood that this country can in no way depart from the policy in respect to currency questions which she has pursued for sixty years.

Upon these terms, then, I beg to state that Her Majesty’s Government are happy to accept the invitation of the United States Government, and I will not fail to inform you, as soon as possible, of the names of the gentlemen who may be chosen to represent this country on the occasion in question.

I have to add that as Her Majesty’s Government cannot hold out any prospect of departing from the policy which has become the settled rule of this country, they will direct the delegates who may be appointed by them to confine themselves to the discussion and elucidation of the questions which may be raised, and not to take part in any vote which may be proposed at the congress.

I have, &c.,