No. 232.
Mr. Fish to Mr. Motley.
Motley, Minister, London:
The following telegram was sent to-day to Bancroft. Communicate its substance verbally to Lord Granville:
It appears to the President that the hostilities between France and Germany, if conducted in Chinese waters, will operate on the minds of the Chinese to put in peril the lives of Europeans and Americans in that empire. You are instructed to sound the government of North Germany to ascertain whether it is possible to obtain a suspension of hostilities and a coöperative action between the squadrons in the Chinese waters, so far as the protection of the lives and property of Americans and Europeans may require. In case the answer is favorable you will ask leave to commuuicate their action to Washburne, and will send him a copy of this telegram, which he will take as his authority to ask for a like action on the part of the French government.