Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 6, 1880

No. 589.
Mr. Stevens to Mr. Evarts.

United States Legation,
Stockholm, March 9, 1880. (Received March 27.)

No. 67.]

Sir: In my dispatch 55,^* of September 23, 1879, relative to the dispatch of the Secretary of State touching the emigration of Mormon disciples from Sweden and Norway, I gave the result of my interview with the minister of foreign affairs, the favorable indications given as to the views and wishes of the Swedish and Norwegian Government on the subject.

Recently I have received a note from the minister of foreign affairs, a copy of which is inclosed under the date of February 24, supplementing and confirming the assurances given in September last as stated in my communication 55.

* * * * * * *

In this regard, therefore, the interests of these kingdoms and those of the United States are entirely in accord. The practical difficulties in the way of the entire carrying out of the views and policies of the two governments are manifest. There can be little doubt that the circular of the Secretary of State, and the occasion which its receipt has furnished this government for some action on the subject to which it relates, will have beneficial results among the Swedish and Norwegian populations liable to fall victims to Mormon propagandism.

I have, &c.,

JOHN L. STEVENS.

[Inclosure in No. 67.]

Mr. Björnstjerna to Mr. Stevens

Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Stockholm, February 24, 1880.

Mr. Minister: By a communication dated September 23, 1879, you were pleased to have recourse to my intermediation, with the view of obtaining that the government of the King should take measures to prevent the agents of Mormonism from disseminating the doctrines of that sect among the population of the united kingdoms, and to oppose the departure of their proselytes for the United States.

After your demand, I addressed the competent authorities of the united kingdoms, praying them to guard, by such means as they should judge proper, the populations against the fallacious promises of the Mormon agents, and to inform them of the severe penalties to which they would expose themselves according to the American laws if they should attempt to put in practice the doctrines of Mormonism in the United States. I hope that these measures, being all that are compatible with our legislation, will prevent the extension of the doctrines putting in practice of which is contrary to the principles admitted by civilized states.

Be pleased, &c.,

O. M. BJÖRNSTJERNA.

1. Vide volume of Foreign Relations for 1879, page 964.