No. 132.
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish.
Legation of
the United States,
Paris, September 5,
1872. (Received September 19.)
No. 679.]
Sir: I have the honor to forward you herewith a
copy of the correspondence between Mr. de Rémusat and myself, upon the
subject of the persecution of the Israelites in Moldo-Wallaehia,
referred to in your dispatch No. 430, of July 22.
I have, &c,
[Page 184]
[Inclosure 1 in No. 679.]
Mr. Washburne to
Mr. Rémusat.
Legation of the United States,
Paris, August 9, 1872.
Sir: My Government sympathises deeply with
the Hebrews who are being so in humanly persecuted in the
principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia.mr. Fish thinks that if the
feelings of the Government and the people of the United States were
made known to the Government of the French Republic, it might aid in
carrying out the obligations of the treaty between certain European
states in respect to protection of the persecuted class. Although
the Government of the United States is not a party to that
instrument, and as a rule scrupulously abstains from all
interference, directly or indirectly, in public affairs in that
quarter, the grievance adverted to is so flagrant as to impart to
it, as it were, a cosmopolitan character, in the redress of which
all countries, governments, and creeds are alike interested.
I am happy in communicating to your excellency the views of Mr. Fish
on this subject, as I feel assured they will be cordially responded
to by you.
My Government will hail with satisfaction all action of the republic
of France which will tend to put a termination to a series of
relentless persecutions, which have become the opprobrium of
Christian civilization.
I take this occasion to renew to your excellency the assurance of my
distinguished consideration.
[Inclosure 2 in No. 679.]
Mr. Rémusat to
Mr. Washburne.
[Translation.]
Sir: Excuse me for not having sooner
answered the letter of the 9th instant, I had the honor to receive
from you on the part of Mr. Fish as well as of yourself,
recommending to the kind interests of the French government the
situation of the Israelites in the principality of Moldo-Wallachia.
This situation has been several times seriously compromised; the
passions of the populace and the weakness of the authorities have
put their lives in peril as well as the safety of their
establishments. You are undoubtedly aware that our consul-general in
several instances acted with the American consul-general in making
the necessary representations to the Roumanian government, with the
respect due to an independent government. We never neglected to make
to the consul at Bucharest observations urging justice and humanity,
and we have obtained assurances for the future which respond to our
wishes. You can say, sir, to Mr. Fish, that when the occasion
presents itself, we shall insist that equal protection be accorded
in Roumania to residents of all creeds. I am happy to say that our
intentions in this respect accord with the sentiments you have
expressed to me.
I take this opportunity, &c.
