As I say farewell to you, let me renew my expressions of affection and sincerest respect for you, and of my profound gratitude for your hard work, your unvarying loyalty, and your effective public service.
Letter to Richard A. Ballinger Accepting His Resignation as Secretary of the Interior
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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.
This would impose a heavy burden on the administrative branch of the Government, create disastrous uncertainty in commercial circles, and lead to a burdensome amount of litigation.
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 same reasons which impelled me to decline to sign the wool bill control me in this case.
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