No. 130.
Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Fish.
Berlin, March 17, 1873. (Received April 9.)
Sir: On the 12th the session of the German Parliament was opened by the Emperor in person. No allusion is made in his speech to the rising conflict between the Papal and Imperial authority, but the session can hardly pass by without a renewed discussion of the subject of civil marriage and the custody of the registers of births, marriages, and deaths.
Another matter which deserves your attention is, the steady effort of France, of Russia, of Austria, and of the German Empire, to make their military power greater than ever. As far as the German Empire is concerned I verily believe the primary object to be the enjoyment of peace in security.
The speech is further marked by allusions to France in language that could not fail to be agreeable to the French government and people. This manifestation of mutual confidence has been followed by a treaty for the complete evacuation of the French territory by the German troops, signed on Saturday evening last at 5 o’clock by the Prince Chancellor of the German Empire and the Viscount de Gontaut-Biron, embassador of France at Berlin.
The four French departments which are still occupied by the German troops are to be evacuated on the 5th of July next, and the fortress of Belfort is to be given up, but Verdun will remain occupied by the Germans until September.
This early evacuation of France will have so controlling an influence on the action of its assembly and the nature of its government, that I sent you yesterday morning the following telegram:
Fish, Secretary, Washington:
Evacuation treaty signed Saturday. Germans evacuate France July fifth. Only Verdun occupied until September.
bancroft.
The payment of the fourth milliard is to be completed in the first days of May. The payment of the fifth milliard is to be made in four monthly installments, beginning June 1. The treaty is particularly agreeable to the French, as relieving them from all anxiety as to the desire of the Germans to retain Belfort, the possession of which would be worth to Germany more than a milliard.
Your instructions, as far as No. 557 inclusive, have been received.
I remain, &c.,