Mr. Gresham to Mr. Smythe.
Washington, February 11, 1895.
Sir: I transmit herewith for your information a copy of a letter from Smith M. Weed, esq., president of the San Domingo Improvement Company, of New York, an American corporation.
Mr. Weed explains that by virtue of contracts between his company and the Government of Santo Domingo, and in pursuance of the law of that Republic, the company is in possession of and is administering the Dominican custom houses for the security and reimbursement of moneys due to it by that Government. He further states that the French Government has presented certain claims against Santo Domingo, and is about to take action to compel payment of them. The action contemplated, it is thought, involves either a seizure of the custom-houses by France, or such a demonstration of force as will compel the Dominican authorities to take possession of them for the purpose of speedily providing the necessary funds to meet the French claims. Either course would injuriously affect the company’s rights.
An instruction has been sent to the United States ambassador at Paris,1 authorizing him to notify the French Government of the rights of this American company in the custom-houses and custom revenues of Santo Domingo, in order that they may be protected in any action France may take for the enforcement of her claims.
I am, etc.,