No. 243.
Mr. Outrey to Mr. Evarts.
Washington, September 29, 1879.
Mr. Secretary of State: New measures have just been adopted by order of the minister of the marine, with a view to regulating the exercise of the right of sailing under the flag of the French protectorate among the Society Islands. Hitherto this right has been the exclusive privilege of vessels commanded by French or native captains. According [Page 380] to the regulations recently adopted, foreign captains of all nationalities will also be allowed to command vessels fitted out under the flag of the protectorate, and a special authorization may be issued to them for this purpose on the following conditions: They must be presented by the consul of their country, who will answer for their moral character and their capacity; they will, moreover, promise to submit entirely to the jurisdiction and laws of France, so far as regards their conduct and acts while commanding vessels under the protectorate.
I hasten, in obedience to the instructions of my government, to bring these measures to your knowledge. You will doubtless think proper, Mr. Secretary of State, to communicate this information to the consul of the United States at Tahiti, so that the benefit of the aforesaid measures may be secured, without delay, to such American citizens as may desire to avail themselves thereof.
Be pleased to accept, &c.,