Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress with the Annual Message of the President, December 5, 1870

No. 171.

Baron Gerolt to Mr. Fish.

Legation of North Germany, Washington, July 19, 1870. (Received July 19.)

Sir: I have the honor to communicate to you the following cable dispatch, received this morning from the chancellor of North Germany, Count Bismarck:

Baron Gerolt, Washington:

Berlin, July 19.

For your guidance, private property on high seas will be exempted from seizure by his Majesty’s ships, without regard to reciprocity.

BISMARCK.

I will thank you for causing this communication to be officially published as early as convenient; and have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, your obedient servant,

FR. v. GEROLT.

Hon. Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State of the United States, Washington.