Bancroft to Hamilton Fish, July 18, 1873

No. 142. Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Fish.

Sir: The Department in its instruction numbered 561 directed me to invite the government of the German Empire to join in a remonstrance against custom-house regulations in Cuba, which oppress foreign commerce. The government has now verbally given a preliminary answer, and it is, that as they have not yet recognized any government of Spain since the retirement of King Amadeo, they cannot well negotiate with the existing government. Spain, to be sure, has a minister at Berlin, but the German government, though it sometimes treats with him on minor matters, opens with him no business of high importance. I have repeatedly requested the member of the German council for the Hanseatic states to join with me in bringing the subject referred to to the attention of this government. But the merchants of the great centers of German commerce have not made complaints on the subject, and the interposition of Mr. Kruger was therefore not of much weight. He has now a leave of absence, and I hope that he will take the occasion to consult directly the merchants of Hamburg.

I remain, &c.,