§ Mr. KINGasked what number of claims arising out of telegraphic cables cut in the West Indies were preferred against the United States Government as a result of the Spanish-American war; how long a period elapsed between the presenting of the claims and their final settlement; and what was the total amount of compensation paid.
§ Mr. ACLANDAs far as I am aware, only two such claims were preferred against the United States Government, one by the Cuba Submarine Telegraph Company and one by the French Cable Company. That of the Cuba Submarine Telegraph Company was presented in November, 1899, but no compensation has yet been paid. It will shortly be referred to arbitration under the Pecuniary Claims Agreement with the United States.
§ Mr. KINGThen may we take it that any claims that arise in the Ægean will take at least twelve years to settle?