File No. 763.72/3669½
The Secretary of State to the French Ambassador ( Jusserand )
My Dear Mr. Ambassador: I took the first opportunity to speak to the President of the proposal of your Government to send a mission of friendship to him and to the American people as stated [Page 14] in your personal letter to me on the 5th instant. He at once directed me to say that he would most heartily welcome such an evidence of friendship on the part of your country expressing the hope that your Government would find it possible to carry out its proposal.
I need not tell you, my dear Mr. Jusserand, with what real pleasure I learned of this purpose of your Government. Between our countries there have been for nearly a century and a half peculiar ties, and the renewal of these bonds of good will and esteem at a time when we are mutually enlisted again in the cause of human liberty will quicken the sympathy and warm the heart of every patriotic citizen of the two great Republics.
I have telegraphed Mr. Sharp of the proposed visit of the French mission and also of the fact that the British Government desire to send a commission here for consultation (which will of course be welcome) suggesting that the Foreign Office be informed of the purpose of the British Government in order that the two Governments might consult each other in order to avoid any confusion which might arise from independent action.
I am [etc.]