Accept, Mr. Secretary of State, the assurances of my high
consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.
[Translation.]
Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys to
the Marquis de
Montholon
Sir: I have read, with all the
attention which it deserves, the answer of the Secretary of
State to my despatch of the 9th of January last. The scrupulous
care with which Mr. Seward has pleased to analyze that despatch,
and the extended considerations upon which he has entered to
define, in regard to the exposé which I have made of the conduct
of France in the affairs of Mexico, the doctrines which are the
basis of the international policy of the United States, bear
witness in our eyes of the interest which the cabinet of
Washington attaches to putting aside all misapprehension.
We find therein the evidence of its desire to cause the
sentiments of amity which the traditions of a long alliance have
cemented between our two countries, to prevail over the
accidental divergencies, often inevitable, in the movement of
affairs and the relations of governments. It is in this
disposition that we have appreciated the communication which the
Secretary of State has addressed to you, the 12th of February
last. I will not follow Mr. Seward in the developments he has
given to the exposition of the principles which direct the
policy of the American Union. It does not appear to me opportune
or profitable to prolong, on points of doctrine or of history, a
discussion, where we may differ in opinion from the government
of the United States, without danger to the interests of the two
countries. I think it better to serve those interests by
abstaining from discussing assertions—in my opinion very
contestable—in order to take action on assurances which may
contribute to facilitate our understanding.
We never hesitate to offer to our friends the explanations they
ask from us, and we hasten to give to the cabinet of Washington
all those which may enlighten it on the purpose we are pursuing
in Mexico, and on the loyalty of our intentions. We have said to
it, at the same time, that the certainty we should acquire of
its resolution to observe in regard to that country, after our
departure, a policy of non-intervention, would hasten the moment
when it would be possible for us, without compromising the
interests which led us there, to withdraw our troops, and put an
end to an occupation, the duration of which we are sincerely
desirous to abridge. In his despatch of the 12th February last
Mr. Seward calls to mind, on his part, that the government of
the United States has conformed during the whole course of its
history to the rule of conduct which it received from
Washington, by practicing invariably the principle of
non-intervention, and adds that nothing justifies the
apprehension that it should show itself unfaithful in what may
concern Mexico. We receive this assurance with entire
confidence, and we find therein a sufficient guarantee not any
longer to delay the adoption of measures intended to prepare for
the return of our army.
The Emperor has decided that the French troops shall evacuate
Mexico in three detachments: the first being intended to depart
in the month of November, 18 6; the second in March, 1867; and
the third in the month of November of the same year.
You will please to communicate this decision officially to the
Secretary of State.
Receive, Marquis, the assurance of my high consideration.
The Marquis de Montholon, Minister of the Emperor, at
Washington.
