Message to the Congress Regarding Salvage of Wrecks of Spanish Battleships in Cuban Waters

To the Senate and House of Representatives:

I transmit herewith a report by the Acting Secretary of State concerning the ownership of the wrecks of the Spanish vessels which were destroyed by the American fleet off Santiago de Cuba.

It appears that a Norwegian company has applied to the Cuban Government for permission to raise these wrecks and that before considering the proposition the Cuban Government desires to receive the views of the United States in regard thereto.

The Navy Department has no objection to the proposed salvage operations, but the Department of State holds the view that these wrecks are public property of the United States, which may be alienated only by an act of Congress or by a convention having the force of law.

The matter is therefore submitted to the Congress in accordance with the recommendation of the Acting Secretary of State, with a view to its considering whether the President shall be authorized to relinquish to Cuba all right and claim of right of the United States to these wrecks.

WILLIAM H. TAFT.

The White House, August 21, 1911.