No. 159.
Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Fish.
No. 131.]
American Legation, Berlin, September 6, 1870. (Received September
20.)
Sir: The American minister at Paris having been
accepted as the protector of Germans in France, much correspondence has
passed through my hands, relating, for example, to the security of the
North German embassy, and of North German property in Paris, and the
condition of those left in charge of them. The French forward their
letters to wounded and captive French officers through Mr. Washburne to
me. Parents in Germany remit money through me to their children who are
in want. Then there are letters asking of our minister his attention to
the care of Germans imprisoned, of merchants interfered with, &e.,
&c. Every letter from the government to Mr. Washburne has hitherto
passed through my hands. The principle that governed this interchange of
good offices was that the communications should relate to other matters
than those of war, and the result has been highly appreciated in France,
especially by the families of the wounded and captive French officers.
By the inclosed copy of a letter, you will see that Count Bismarck
wished to send a communication destined for the French government
through Mr. Washburne, and, to save time, transmitted it directly to the
American minister at London. The direct mails being interrupted between
Germany and France, my channel of communication has been the American
minister-resident at Brussels, but now that the mails run less certainly
between Brussels and Paris, correspondence may pass through the legation
at London. * * * * [Page 206] Mr.
Washburne will always know how to make a proper disposition of any paper
or letter he may receive. In short, the Department may trust Mr.
Washburne and me, that we shall keep ourselves strictly within the line
of duty as neutral, but as a neutral that with the consent of France has
accepted a trust for North Germany. I am ever exceedingly anxious not to
go beyond what I take to be the evident meaning and intent of my
instructions, and Mr. Washburne is very considerate.
Mr. Von Thile to Mr. Bancroft.
Berlin,
September 5, 1870.
Bear Mr. Bancroft: You are aware that the
French have repeatedly disregarded not only the general law of
nations by firing at a flag of truce, but also the convention of
Geneva, to which they are a party, by attacking our ambulances and
surgeons. Count Bismarck has addressed a remonstrance on this
subject to the French government, and, in order to save time, has
transmitted the dispatch to Count Bernstorff, with the injunction to
request your colleague, Mr. Motley, to forward it to Mr. Washburne.
But Mr. Motley, and not without apparent reason, doubts if in his
position he would be justified in making himself the intermediary of
such a communication. Count Bismarck, therefore, desires me to ask
your opinion as to the best way of conducting a non-military
correspondence, the urgent necessity of which may any day arise
between us and the French government. Would you think it advisable
for me to telegraph to Baron Gerolt to demand an authorization for
Mr. Motley? Or what else would you propose? * * * * * * *
Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Motley.
American Legation, Berlin, September 5, 1870.
Sir: I am the channel of communication
between this government and Mr. Washburne at Paris. Hitherto I have
sent my letters through Mr. Jones at Brussels; but that channel is
now become uncertain, and I may be obliged to use your legation at
London very often. I begin to-day: the dispatch which I wish to
forward is in the hands of Count Bernstorff, the Prussin ambassador
at London. Pray receive it of Mm, and forward it under your official
seal by the very first opportunity to Washburne.
I hope not to give the London legation too much trouble; but I know
you will do your part in forwarding letters with the same ready
willingness which Mr. Jones has shown, and of which Mr. Washburne
and I are not likely to grow weary.
* * * * * * * *
P. S.—To save time letters will sometimes reach you directly from
some branch of the North German government. Pray forward them as
if they came under my hand and seal to the legation at
Paris.
His Excellency the Minister of the United
States of America.