Bingham to Mr. Stalel, July 1, 1882

Mr. Bingham to Mr. Stalel.

Sir: In reply to your Nos. 1613 and 1628, dated respectively the 17th and 27th ultimo, I have to say that I approve your action in the premises, believing as I do that the right of citizens of the United States to sue in British consular courts in Japan should in all respects be the same as the hitherto acknowledged right of British subjects to sue citizens of the United States in our consular courts in Japan.

Under existing treaties it may be doubted whether a United States consul is obliged, save as a matter of comity, to try and determine a civil action brought in his court by a British subject against a citizen of the United States. Be this as it may, in my opinion your action in the two cases named is right, and should be adhered to until otherwise instructed.

I am, sir, &c.,