Mr. Perry to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to report that a decoration has been recently received from the Czar of Russia and presented to the Bey of Tunis with much ceremony by the Russian chargé d’affaires. Within the last three years presents have been made to the Bey by the principal European sovereigns, including those of France, England, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Prussia, Sweden, Austria, and Russia, and visits have been made to the Bey within this period by some member of the royal houses of France, England, [Page 439] Belgium, Prussia, and Italy. Some of the decorations given are said to be such as are alone exchanged between independent sovereigns, and their diplomatic bearings are supposed to be duly considered. Many of these presents have been brought here by governmental steamships, and returns haev been made to all but two of the above-named courts by special envoys of the Bey.
A recurrence to some historical facts may, perhaps, throw light upon the actual status and relations of the Tunisian government. Without specifying many events that tended to diminish the friendly and intimate relations between the Tunisian and Ottoman governments, and to establish the independence of the former power, we particularly note the fact that the Ottoman Porte was finally prevented from attempting to interfere in Tunisian affairs by the presence of a French fleet in the harbors of Tunis. Since the above demonstration of French power and assertion of Tunisian independence, no claims or obligations other than of a religious nature have, I am assured, been either urged or acknowledged by either party. So far as Turkey is concerned, Tunis is now, and has been for some time past, politically independent. The Bey acknowledges alone the religious superiority of the Sultan. On these points there appears to be no difference of opinion among those who are supposed to be well informed. Should the Sultan visit Tunis soon, according to newspaper announcements, he would, I am assured, be enthusiastically received as the great hierarch of Moslemism, while as a political sovereign he would find few friends in Tunis.
But the means finally employed to prevent Ottoman interference in Tunisian affairs, though effectual, tended to a result unfavorable to Tunisian independence. While protecting the Bey from the Sultan, the French could not neglect such an opportunity to establish their influence and promote their interests in this regency. With an ever present power they were profuse in their professions of good will, giving decorations to the Bey and his chief ministers, and sending Prince Napoleon and other distinguished envoys to honor the Tunisian court.
But the Bey, while courteously receiving these attentions, was not blind to his true interests, showing no more partiality for the French eagle than he had before shown for the Ottoman crescent. His foreign affairs have been conducted, unlike those of the home department, with dignity and discretion. While maintaining amicable relations with France and Turkey, he has succeeded in establishing relations no less cordial and confidential with numerous other nations.
With the general conduct and bearing of the Bey in the difficult part which he has had to act different European governments are evidently well satisfied, and are disposed to lend what diplomatic aid they can to counterbalance and counteract French power and influence in this regency And to this effect the various decorations, visits, and presentations of which I have spoken (aside from those of France) are expressive and significant, giving the Bey encouragement and confidence to stand up unabashed by the side of his powerful neighbor across the line, maintaining a position of neutrality and independence.
In furtherance of the object here set forth, and in accordance with the example of other nations, I take the liberty again to call attention to my recommendation in despatch No. 5, in favor of a present from the President, and I suggest for the present a full-sized portrait of Washington or Lincoln, in a handsome gilt frame, to compare with the portraits of some European sovereigns hanging around the hall of state at the Bardo Palace; or, instead thereof, a rich sword would be highly appreciated.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.