Bingham to Geo. F. Seward, September 25, 1874

Mr. Bingham to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatches 23 and 24, dated the 7th August and the 1st September, respectively, and tender you my thanks for the same. The regulations of the consular courts in China, inclosed with your No. 23, upon such examination as I have been able to give them, seem to me satisfactory and worthy of consideration here. The note identical, inclosed in your No. 24, I consider to be called for in the present exigency, and should war be declared between Japan and China, the adoption of the same should be insisted on by the foreign representatives accredited to both nations. I have this to suggest: that the foreign settlements, or places exclusively occupied by foreigners, in each empire, should be declared by the sovereign authority of each inviolate in the event of war, and should be respected alike by the forces of Japan and China. What is said in the note identical touching the 26th article of the United States treaty with China is a matter of the first importance to the people of the United States, and it shall be my pleasure, as it is my duty, to co-operate with you and with all the representatives of our common country in securing to our people the full benefit of that article, if, unhappily, a public, solemn war shall obtain between Japan and China.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,