Mr. Olney to Mr. Patenôtre.
Washington, February 26, 1896.
Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 12th instant, stating that, owing to difficulties which have arisen in Madagascar in the exercise of its protectorate, the French Republic has been obliged to intervene by military force for the purpose of causing its rights to be respected and of securing guarantees for the future, and that it has thus been led to occupy the island with its troops and to take final possession of it.
The Department has noted the contents of your note with due reserve as to the effect of the action of the Government of France upon the treaty rights of the United States.
Accept, etc.,