Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 7, 1896, and the Annual Report of the Secretary of State

Mr. Patenôtre to Mr. Olney.

[Translation.]

Embassy of the French Republic in the United States,
Washington, February 12, 1896.

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 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.