Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 1, 1879

M. de Lesseps to Sir J. Stokes.

Paris, August 14, 1878.

Colonel: In reply to the letter which you did me the honor to address to me on the 10th of August, I can only confirm to you our intention (which is, in feet, obligatory) to treat every vessel, whatever flag it may carry, as we treat English vessels. It is, therefore, not to be doubted that the interpretation given to the powers of examining a vessel’s papers or certificates, in the correspondence exchanged between the representatives of the government of Her Britannic Majesty and our company on the 6th, 16th, and 19th of February last, will be extended to all vessels. You may give official assurance of this to your government.

Be pleased, &c.,

For the president:

CH. A. de LESSEPS.