Mr. Seward to Mr.
Adams
No. 2131.]
Department of State, Washington,
February 14, 1868.
Sir: I inclose for your information an extract
of a dispatch from Mr. Bancroft, our minister at Berlin, dated 23d
January, and a copy of my reply thereto of the 13th instant, No. 41,
upon the subject of the naturalization laws existing between the United
States and the governments of Great Britain and Prussia,
respectively.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
[Extract.]
Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Seward
No. 33.]
American Legation, Berlin,
January 23, 1868.
Sir: Your letter No. 33, of January 6th,
has been received. Count Bismarck informs me that the British
government has inquired of him as to the answer the Prussian
[Page 154]
government would make to
the American government on the subject of naturalization. In reply
he informs them of the intention of this government to come to an
understanding with that of America, according to its request. The
remarks of Count Bismarck implied that the British government is
inclined to follow the example of the Purssian, and that the
settlement of the question here will he virtually a settlement for
Great Britain.
In the prosecution of this business to a settlement there is need of
great patience, as the several departments interested in the measure
have to he consulted and to propose their difficulties and desired
modifications. Some time must therefore pass away before the
negotiations can be closed.
* * * * * *
I remain, sir, yours sincerely,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
Mr. Seward to Mr. Bancroft
No. 41.]
Department of State, Washington,
February 13, 1868.
Sir: Your dispatch of the 23d of January,
No. 33, has been received. I thank you for your attention manifested
in informing me what has passed between the governments of Great
Britian and Prussia concerning the question on the naturalization
laws existing between the United States and those two governments
respectively. I have informally suggested to the British minister
here that a proceeding in a form of mutual or common legislation in
the two countries would be more simple and probably easier than
formal negotiations, inasmuch as there are so many other questions
which urgently require settlement between the United States and
Great Britain besides that of the conflicting naturalization laws.
Perhaps it would be well for you to speak in the same sense to the
British ambassador at Berlin.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
George Bancroft, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
