Bancroft to Copy annexed of Thile to G. B. August 14, 1870, August 15, 1870

Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Fish.

Yesterday forenoon I received your telegram, as follows:

Bancroft, Minister, Berlin:

French government decides North Germans, with certain exceptions, quit France. Impossible for great numbers of poor to leave without pecuniary aid. Washburne asks will Prussian government place a credit at his disposition to assist poor in leaving? It seems necessary in the interest of humanity. Inform him and this Department.

DAVIS, Acting Secretary.

Washington, August 30.

I immediately waited upon Mr. Director Phillipsborn, and afterward met him and Mr. Secretary Von Thiele by appointment at 12 o’clock. It was promptly decided to afford the poor North Germans expelled from France the pecuniary aid they might need, and I forthwith telegraphed to Mr. Washburne, through Mr. Jones, as follows:

Jones, American Minister, Brussels:

Telegraph to Washburne immediately, in cipher if convenient, Prussia will place to your credit with Rothschild fifty thousand thalers to help very poor Germans expelled from France. Give only enough to reach the frontier. Take care whom you help. Persuade the French government not to expel Germans.

An hour later I received a letter in due form from Mr. Thiele, of which I annex a copy. I also wrote to Mr. Washburne, and of that letter I annex a copy. I trust that I have fulfilled your instructions to your satisfaction. * * * * * * * * * *