WILLIAM JARRETT, Secretary Department of Foreign Affairs to Comly, May 16, 1879

Mr. Jarrett to Mr. Comly.

Sir: I am directed by his excellency, the minister of foreign affairs, to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch No. 154 of date 15th instant, stating, “It is brought to my [your] notice that certain allegations are made as to frauds and contemplated frauds upon the revenue of the United States, by the importation of sugar and rice from the Sandwich Islands, that were brought there from other countries and repacked, and sent forward with certificates that they were the products of those islands; with other grave matters as contained in your now acknowledged communication, tending, if substantiated by facts, to destroy the integrity of our reciprocity treaty with the United States.

I am further instructed to say, that after due inquiry into the allegations as made to your excellency, an early and full response will be given to your said pre-cited letter.

With the highest respect and most distinguished consideration,

I have, &c.,