Mr. Seward to Mr. Burlingame
Sir: I recur on this occasion to a despatch transmitted by Mr. Williams in your absence, which despatch bears date August 5th, 1866, and was received at this department on the 15th of November last. The despatch communicates the proceedings which have been taken at Shanghai and at Peking in regard to an instrument which has been promulgated by the consul-general of France at Shanghai, and which is entitled “Reglement d’organization municipale de la concession Francaise de Shanghai.” The despatch is accompanied by a copy of that instrument and by a copy of a correspondence concerning it which has taken place between Mr. S. Wells Williams and George F. Seward, esq., consul-general at Shanghai, and a similar correspondence which has taken place between Mr. Seward and C. A. Winchester, esq., her Britannic Majesty’s consul residing at Shanghai. Mr. Seward and Mr. Winchester, in this correspondence, have presented objections to the proceeding of the French consulate, which are [Page 466] deemed worthy of consideration. If, however, I do not misunderstand the papers before me, the protest of Mr. Seward against the regulations, although made in accordance with sentiments of the same character entertained by the British, Prussian, and Russian consul general, in fact stands alone, those authorities having declined to commit themselves formally upon the subject.
In connection with this matter, the Prussian government has addressed itself to this government, through its minister plenipotentiary residing here, Baron Von Gerolt. I give you for your information a copy of the baron’s letter, and of the answer to it, which has been given by this department.
The President’s views of the matter are these: He sustains for the present the objections and protest which have been made against the French regulations by the United States consul general; and the imperial government at Paris will be advised thereof. This decision, however, is not conclusive of further proceedings. The decision is taken for the purpose of referring the whole matter to yourself for conference with the representatives of Great Britain, Prussia, and Russia, if they shall be authorized and willing to engage in such conference, to the end that you may be able to report whether in your opinion the rights and interest of the United States require consent on the part of this government to the proposed French regulations; and if so, whether any, or what, modifications thereof are desirable and practicable.
You will report fully upon the whole subject, without unnecessary delay.
A copy of this despatch will be communicated to the governments of France, Great Britain, Russia, and Prussia, respectively.
It is scarcely necessary to say, that while the subject shall remain unsettled you will take great care that no unnecessary collision or altercation shall arise between yourself and your associates in regard to it. I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Anson Burlingame, &c., &c., &c.,