No. 148.
Mr. Schenck to Mr. Fish.
London, October 8, 1872. (Received Oct. 23.)
Sir: As soon after the reception of your No. 240 as an opportunity for conversation on the subject of it with Earl Granville could be arranged, I brought it to his lordship’s attention. I stated to him the substance of your dispatch. I explained that, although the Government of the United States was not a party to the treaty whereby certain of the European powers had become bound to use their endeavors to secure protection for the persecuted Jews in the principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia, and although, as a general rule, my Government scrupulously abstained from interfering in any manner with public affairs in distant quarters, yet such was the deep sympathy of the President and our people in the unhappy grievances and the inhuman oppressions to which those of the Hebrew race appeared to be subjected in their Roumanian homes, that I was instructed to communicate with him on the subject.
It was thought that the assurance of that sympathy might perhaps quicken and encourage Her Majesty’s government in any effort they might be making to alleviate the condition of the sufferers. Their wrongs were such that all countries, governments, and creeds were alike interested in doing whatever was possible, or using whatever influence they could to help bring about some measure of redress for them.
Lord Granville responded very promptly and unreservedly. He said that the attention of Her Majesty’s government had been anxiously turned to the subject; that they had made various representations to the government of Roumania, but that he could not pretend that these representations had produced much result.
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Lord Granville concluded by saying that he believed a general expression of the public opinion of the world would have more effect than any particular means which governments could take. But he assured me that he should be most happy to communicate freely on the matter with the Government of the United States as to anything which could be done and which migh thave practical effect. Our whole interview and conversation were very satisfactory to me, as showing an earnest and friendly disposition on the part of Her Majesty’s government to welcome the moral support that may be given them by our Government and people on this interesting question.
I am, &c.,