No. 96.
Mr. E. B. Washburne to Mr. Fish.
No. 312.]
Legation of the United
States, Paris, October 31, 1870. (Received November 25,
1870.)
Sir: I take the liberty of inclosing you
herewith a copy of a letter addressed to me by Count de Bismarck, in
relation to the action of the government of the national defense, and in
regard to the situation of Paris.
Count Bismarck to Mr. Washburne.
Versailles,
October 29, 1870.
Sir: Having before them the resolution
adopted by the government of national defense, to continue a
hopeless struggle and to defend Paris as long as provisions will
last, the government of his Majesty have felt obliged to give their
attention to the consequences which the carrying out of that
resolution will entail upon the inhabitants of Paris, consisting, as
they do, for a great part of foreigners. By a memoir communicated to
foreign cabinets some weeks since, we have declined any
responsibility for the sufferings to which the residents will find
themselves exposed when the resources are exhausted and when, owing
to the waste laid all around Paris by order of the French government
at an extent of three or four days’ marching, it will be impossible
to provide the survivors with food or to transport them beyond the
zone of destruction.
While sending you a translation of the said memoir, I take the
liberty of earnestly calling your attention to the considerations
detailed therein and bearing directly upon the interests of those
American residents who, either by their condition of life or for
want of means, have been obliged to remain at Paris.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, your obedient
servant,
