Mr. Patenôtre to Mr. Olney.

[Translation.]

Mr. Secretary of State: Owing to the difficulties which have arisen in Madagascar in the exercise of its protectorate, the Government of the French Republic has, as you are aware, been obliged to intervene by military force for the purpose of causing its rights to be [Page 119] respected, and of securing guarantees for the future. It has thus been led to occupy the island with its troops and to take final posession of it.

I have the honor to notify the United States Government of this in obedience to instructions which I have just received from my Government.

I avail, etc.,

Patenôtre.