Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Fish
Sir: The telegraph will have brought you news of the preliminaries of peace between France and Germany, signed last Sunday evening, on the basis of the cession to Germany of Alsace without Belfort, and of German Lorraine, with Metz, together with an indemnity for war expenses of 5,000,000,000 francs.
The fortress of Belfort commands the pass south of the Vosgian mountains into central France. To a German power desirous of offensive war against France, its possession would be of the greatest value, since it would open the way at once to the richest parts of Burgundy. As a defensive position for Germany, it is of less importance. True, therefore, to the principle of demanding no territory except what is necessary for defensive purposes, Germany has very wisely restored Belfort to France. That city is essentially French, and has been so for ages. The fortress of Metz is retained by Germany, because the German military authorities insist upon it as essential for the line of defense, but the position was of so much importance to France, for its own protection, that its cession could hardly have been claimed had not Germany, four years ago, been compelled by France to give up the fortress of Luxemburg.
The pecuniary indemnity demanded will weigh very heavily on France, for the money is to be raised and paid in three years, and the war has given to the credit of France a shock from which it cannot soon recover. The council of the German Empire, which most nearly resembles our Senate, is now assembled in Berlin, collecting here a large body of the most distinguished statesmen of the empire. The time for the opening of the first diet of renovated Germany is fixed for the 16th of March. The Emperor is expected to return sooner. It is said of him that he feels very deeply the loss of so many brave officers and men in the war; that he will return to his capital as quietly as possible, and that instead of exultations for victory, one of his first acts will be to propose a public mourning of the, whole land. When that is over, and when most of the army is recalled, there may be a triumphal march into Berlin, in which the Emperor will take part.
The Emperor has probably before now announced to the President his increased dignity and jurisdiction. If so, I shall hope very soon to receive the President’s letter in reply.
I remain, &c., &c.,