No. 125.
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish
Paris, October 30, 1871. (Received November 16.)
Sir: I do not think I have ever advised the Department of the action I have taken since I have occupied my present position, in regard to Mexican subjects finding themselves in France. Being without representatives of any character here they have often applied to me, as being the representative of a neighboring and friendly power, to perform certain acts necessary for their protection, for the certification of documents, and to issue papers in the nature of passports. Though I have had no particular authority from any quarter, yet, being called upon by Mexican subjects who were in very embarrassed positions, I have deemed it proper [Page 181] in the interests of good neighborhood and of the friendly feeling between the United States and Mexico, to act officially in behalf of the parties who have thus applied to me. In every case my action has been respected by the French government. I have considered it right to advise you of what I have done in this regard, and of the circumstances under which I have acted, to the end that the Mexican government might know the reasons which influenced me to extend my good offices to its citizens in France.
I have, &c,