Letter from William Miller Collier to Theodore Roosevelt
William Miller Collier is writing President Roosevelt directly, instead of reaching out to the Department of State, because the matters discussed in his letter are not official communication at this point in time. Spanish King Alfonso XIII asked Collier why the United States did not have an ambassador in Spain—ideally Collier, according to Alfonso XIII—and vice versa for Spain. Collier explained that the president was open to the idea, but the intention had to come from the other government. After Alfonso XIII spoke to his cabinet, the Spanish government was open to the idea, but Collier believes there is some reticence due to a lack of finding funds immediately. He encourages Roosevelt to do what he can to foster this type of diplomatic relationship with Spain, since Alfonso XIII has come more than halfway. He believes such a relationship could assist with relations between the United States and Japan as well.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1908-02-02