Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress with the Annual Message of the President, December 5, 1870

No. 26.

Mr. Davis to Mr. E. B. Washburne.

No. 158.]

Department of State, Washington, August 30, 1870.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of yesterday, which, although not entirely intelligible, has been translated thus:

“Am making every preparation for siege of Paris. Military order for expulsion of all Germans without exception. All others who cannot go away invited to leave, and suggested to ask German army to respect American property in Paris in case of need.”

Instructions will be forwarded by this day’s post to Mr. Bancroft, to ask that, in the event of the occupation of Paris by the German forces, American property there may be respected.

J. C. B. DAVIS, Acting Secretary.