Mr. Seward to Mr. Portman.
Sir: Your despatch of the 22d of April, No. 19, has been received. It is accompanied by a copy of an application of the Tycoon’s government to the western treaty powers for an extension of the three remaining instalments provided for by the late treaty.
The President is of opinion that in the absence of any sufficient equivalent for such an extension, and also in the absence of any adequate guarantees for a more just and faithful execution of the treaties, this extension ought not to be granted. Nevertheless, the application being made to all the treaty powers alike, concurrence in their action is doubtless more important than even correctness of the decision which may be adopted.
I shall at once communicate upon the subject with the governments of Great Britain and France, making known to them the President’s views as herein expressed, but with the assurance that you will be instructed to concur in such course as the European powers, with better information than can now be had here, shall conclude to adopt, and which they will make known to their representatives in Japan.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
A. L. C. Portman, Esq., &c., &c., &c.