Mr. Fish to Mr. MacVeagh.
Sir: Your dispatch No. 29, of the 17th ultimo, relative to the controversies between Spain and Egypt and Italy and Tunis, has been received.
The Department has been fully informed of the origin and progress of the latter question by Mr. Heap, the experienced and intelligent consul of the United States at Tunis. The opinion which you express, that it is advisable for the United States to limit to as few as may be absolutely necessary the persons exempt from the local jurisdiction by being attached to the legation and consulates in Turkey and its dependencies, is entirely approved by the Department, and has for some time past been urged upon the officers of the United States in that quarter. It is understood that formerly there were great abuses in this respect. It was long before their extent could be ascertained, and it was found difficult to correct them from the eagerness with which persons sought the protection, so called, of the United States, and the reluctance of ministers and consuls to refuse it. No such immunity should be extended to any person not legally entitled to it, and then, as you remark, it should be maintained with firmness in behalf of those upon whom it may have been deliberately and considerately bestowed.
I am, &c.,