Mr. Roustan to Mr. Bayard.
Washington, September 5, 1885. (Received September 5.)
Mr. Secretary of State: The Government of the French Republic, in conformity with the provisions of article 34 of the general act of the Berlin conference, instructs me to inform your Government that Mr. Piattet, representative of the French protectorate at the Grand Popo, acting for the governor of the French colonies of the Gulf of Guinea, with the aid of Mr. Royier, lieutenant in the navy, in command of the cutter La Mésange, concluded on the 10th of June, 1885, a treaty with the chiefs of the country of the Ouatchis, which lies on the west coast of Africa, between the lagoon of the Grand Popo and the Kingdom of Dahomey.
A proclamation of the President of the French Republic, dated July 21 last, ratified this treaty, which places under the sovereignty of France the Ouatchis and their whole territory, and by virtue of which foreigners of every nationality who have settled among the Ouatchis will enjoy the benefits of French jurisdiction.
It will also be the right of the Government of the French Republic to settle in the future with foreign powers all questions political, civil, or judicial which may arise in that country.
Accept, &c.,