No. 159.

Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Fish.

No. 131.]

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.

GEO. BANCROFT.

Mr. Von Thile to Mr. Bancroft.

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? * * * * * * *

THILE.

Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Motley.

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.

GEO. BANCROFT.

* * * * * * * *

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.