Mr. Seward to Mr. Geofroy
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 29th ultimo, informing me that an American company, which proposes to work the deposits of guano discovered on Swan islands, has addressed the government of the Emperor for the purpose of obtaining special privileges for the exportation of this manure to France, and inquiring whether the Swan islands have been effectively and lawfully annexed to the United States, and whether the act of Congress of the 18th of April, 1856, simply authorizes the government of the United States to protect American citizens who discover deposits of guano, or if it in fact establishes the protection of the United States over the territory also.
I have the honor to enclose three printed copies of the act of Congress referred to, and to inform you in reply that it is unusual, and is deemed unadvisable, to give an executive interpretation of any act of Congress in advance of a case which may actually occur under such act.
Accept, sir, the renewed assurance of my high consideration.
Mr. L. de Geofroy, &c., &c., &c.