No. 431.
Mr. Bingham to Mr. Fish.
Tokei, May 19, 1874. (Received June 23.)
Sir: At the request of Commander George E. Belknap, commanding the United States steamer Tuscarora, now in port at Yokohama, I addressed to his excellency, the minister for foreign affairs, on the 5th instant, a note, informing him that Commander Belknap was instructed by the honorable the Secretary of the Navy to examine and ascertain a place on the coast of Japan suitable for landing a submarine cable, and to that end to obtain permission of this government.
The minister kindly and promptly granted this request, and so informed me. This day he sent to me a full permit, authorizing Commander Belknap to enter any port in Japan, obtain supplies, make the examination, &c., and also assigned to him from the foreign office an interpreter. I am also informed by the minister that he has issued orders to the local authorities to extend to Commander Belknap due courtesy, and to afford him every facility for his work.
I am, &c.,