No. 262.
Mr. Blaine
to Mr. Morton.
See Mr. Gambetta, minister foreign affairs, and ask immediate earnest attention to the practically prohibitory effect of proposed microscopic inspection in detail of American pork, to its great continuing injury to both American and French interests, to the ample proof that it is unnecessary. Add discreetly that an assurance from French Government that prohibition will be rescinded is just now especially desirable and pressing as Congress is about to assemble, and continuance of prohibition will lead to at least defensive if not retaliatory legislation against importations from France.