Daniel E. Sickles to [Here follows instruction to General Sickles of March 21, for which see page 932 .] Additional papers. 1. New regulations of December 26, 1872. English translation. 2. New regulations of December 26, 1872. Spanish original text. 3. Mr. Martos to General Sickles . Note dated January 2, 1873. 4. General Sickles to Mr. Martos . Note dated January 27, 1873. 5. Mr. Castelar to General Sickles . Note dated May 16, 1873. 6. Draft of proposed note to the, June 1, 1873

General Sickles to Mr. Layard.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit to your excellency, in obedience to instructions from my Government, three copies of sundry papers touching the customs regulations in Cuba in their relation to foreign vessels engaged in commerce with that island. It is presumed that the trade carried on in British ships with Cuban ports may have given occasion for reclamations on the part of your government like those it has been my duty to present. The representations heretofore made by the United States having been only partially successful in obtaining the ameliorations desired, I am directed to persevere in further efforts to this end, and especially to invite simultaneous and, as far as possible, identical action on the part on the government of Great Britain.

My Government directs me to confer likewise with the representatives of Germany and Sweden at this capital, in the hope that they also may receive instructions enabling each to frame a note on this subject, to be addressed separately and at the same time to the Spanish minister of foreign affairs.

On page 46 of the inclosure will be found a draught of a proposed note to the Spanish government, which I shall be happy to amend so as to meet your views, in order that the proposed action may, if deemed expedient, be identical.

I avail, &c.,