No. 276.
Mr. Evarts to Mr. Shishkin.
Washington, June 12, 1877.
Sir: I have had the honor to receive your note of yesterday; it is accompanied by a copy of a circular addressed to you by the chancellor of the empire, relative to the supposed blockade by Turkey of the ports of the Black Sea by proclamation only, and the indiscriminate placing by order of that power of torpedoes in the bed of the Danube. Although it is true that the United States did not sign and has not since acceded to the declaration of Paris of 1856, our reserve in this respect was and has not been occasioned by any doubt as to the soundness of the rule in regard to blockades which that instrument embodies. That rule has always been regarded by this government as the wisest, especially in the interests of neutrals, and as founded upon texts of public law generally received. It is probable, however, that as the flag of the United States, even in times of peace, is seldom seen in the Black Sea, there probably will be little or no occasion for the practical assertion of the rule by us at this juncture. The employment of torpedoes is so recent a belligerent device, that it is believed the powers as yet have had no opportunity to consider the general regulations, if any, to which they should be subjected. For this reason, I now forbear to express any opinion upon the proceeding to which you advert.
Accept, sir, a renewed assurance of my very high consideration.