Mr. Pruyn to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to inform you, that at a meeting of the representatives of the United States, France, Great Britain, and the Netherlands, held this day, for the purpose of considering the actual state of affairs in Japan, it was unanimously agreed that the inland sea, which is now closed to commerce by the outrageous acts of the Prince of Nagato, should be reopened, and that such measures as may be necessary to accomplish the same be taken by the officers commanding the naval forces of the governments named, and that it is desirable that for that purpose, and for the protection of the opened ports, the joint presence and action of such naval forces are advisable; and that the Japanese government be notified of this decision, so that it may, if it think proper, by its prompt and immediate action, render it unnecessary for the naval forces of the treaty powers to carry this decision into effect.
It was understood that the special claim of Great Britain on Satsuma should be reserved for the action of that power; and the claims of the [Page 1142] United States, France, and the Netherlands, for the acts of the Prince of Nagato, be reserved for the decision of said governments, separately or combined, as they may determine.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington.