Mr. Patenôtre to Mr. Olney.
Washington, October 9, 1896.
Mr. Secretary of State: The minister of foreign affairs of the French Republic informs me that by a decree dated the 2d of October, and by the abrogation of the interdiction of transit decreed on the 19th [Page 138] of February, 1895, our department of agriculture has exceptionally authorized the transit of animals of the bovine species coming from the United States, which may be consigned to Basle, Switzerland, by way of Boulogne, on condition that the animals in question, after having been subjected to a sanitary examination in the port of shipment, shall be transported in a sealed car.
In directing me to bring this decision to the knowledge of the Federal Government, Mr. Hanotaux begs me to again call your benevolent attention to the interdiction which the importation of French cattle is now subjected to in the United States. As I have had the honor to bring to your notice recently, such importation is limited to a very small number of high-class animals, which have consequently been subjected to a previous examination and are only embarked for America after a scrupulous examination. In view of the very exceptional guarantees with which this traffic is surrounded, it seems that their introduction into the United States can not present any kind of danger, and my Government therefore hopes that the prohibitive measures taken during these latter months may be soon withdrawn.
Be pleased to accept, etc.,