No. 322.
Sir Edward
Thornton to Mr. Evarts.
Sir: You have doubtless been informed by the consul of the United States at Tangier of the negotiations which have recently taken place between the Moorish Government and the foreign representatives on the subject of the irregular protection afforded to Moorish subjects by the diplomatic and consular officers in Morocco.
It appears that although the greater part of the demands put forward by the Moorish Government were unanimously agreed to, yet no settlement has been arrived at, several of the most important points having been met by objections on the part of the French, Italian, Portuguese, and Brazilian representatives.
Under these circumstances it is thought that a continuance of the discussion is not likely to further an agreement upon the questions left undecided, and that unless the governments concerned are disposed to send positive instructions to their agents of a nature to satisfy the Moorish Government, the best prospect of a solution lies in a reference of the question to a commission or meeting of representatives at some foreign court, in which the Moorish Government might be represented by a delegate or delegates deputed for the purpose.
In case this mode of procedure were resorted to, it seems to Her Majesty’s Government that the best place for such a meeting would be Madrid, both on account of its comparative proximity to Morocco, and in consideration of the interest which the Spanish Government and people take in the affairs of that country. In regard to this particular question, moreover, the Spanish Government has shown a disposition to take a liberal and conciliatory view, which promises to conduce to an equitable settlement.
The Marquis of Salisbury has therefore instructed me to inquire what are the views of the Government of the United States with regard to this question, and whether, in the event of its proving necessary, it would regard with favor the proposal to refer the further discussion of the points still at issue to a meeting of the representatives of the powers concerned at Madrid, to which the Moorish Government should be-invited to send a delegate.
By this means the discussion would be removed from the hands of those who have hitherto conducted it, and any difficulties which may have arisen from personal feelings or opinions will be avoided.
I shall therefore feel obliged if you will acquaint me with the views of the Government of the United States upon this subject; and in the mean time, if you should require further details of the negotiations which have for some time been carried on at Tangier, I shall be prepared to furnish them from the documents which are in my possession.
I have, &c.,