Mr. Hay to Mr. Porter.
Washington, April 9, 1900.
Sir: Referring to my instruction No. 656, of August 9, 1899, and your reply of November 13, 1899, No. 560, touching the violation of the consular dwelling of Mr. Tourgée, consul of the United States at Bordeaux, while he was temporarily at Arcachon, I have now to inquire the present status of the matter. It will be observed that the two Governments disagreed as to the meaning of the language of Article III of the consular convention concluded between the United States and France, February 23, 1853, as applied to the premises occupied by Mr. Tourgée at Arcachon, and that the French Government proposed to obtain legal advice on the subject.
It is to this feature of the case to which I now advert.
I am, etc.,