No. 249.
Mr. Outrey to Mr. Evarts.
Washington, March 22, 1880. (Received March 23.)
Mr. Secretary of State: Since the time when it was proposed to form a company for the construction of a canal through the Isthmus of Panama, I have several times had occasion in our interviews to communicate to you the views of my government with regard to this project. I have informed you that the French cabinet had from the outset expressed its firm purpose to allow the character of the enterprise inaugurated by Mr. de Lesseps to remain an essentially private one, and that it did not propose to deviate from this course. Although we have for the conceptions of our eminent compatriot the sympathy which it is impossible not to feel for projects whose accomplishment would be an honor to civilization and to the age in which we live, the French Government, as I have already had the honor to assure you, is in no way concerned in that enterprise, and in no wise proposes to interfere therein, or to give it any support, either direct or indirect.
I am happy to be authorized to comply with the desire which you have expressed to me by now renewing, in writing, assurances which I do not doubt will put an end to all uncertainty as to the nature of the purposes entertained by my government.
Be pleased to accept, &c.,