Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 6, 1886

No. 29.
Mr. de Bounder de Melsbroeck to Mr. Bayard.

[Translation.]

Legation of Belgium,
Washington, April 5, 1886.

Mr. Secretary of State: I have the honor to have recourse to your excellency’s good offices for the purpose of obtaining information as to whether the laws of the United States authorize the prosecution of persons who are guilty of complicity in cases of desertion from Belgian vessels in the ports of the United States of America.

The acts of complicity to which my Government has reference are, inciting to desertion and the clandestine harboring of a seaman who has deserted, with a view to screening him from justice.

I avail, &c.,

THRE. de BOUNDER de MELSBROECK.