Boker to Hamilton Fish, April 19, 1873

No. 459. Mr. Boker to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I have the honor to say that a protocol has recently been signed between the Sublime Porte and certain European powers, which secures to the province of Tripoli, in Africa, the same judicial privileges which, under the capitulations, have heretofore been enjoyed by the European and the Asiatic provinces of the Ottoman empire.

So far the protocol has been signed by the only European powers that have any considerable commercial interests or important consular establishments in Tripoli of Africa, but I understand the other powers will raise no objections should their assent be requested.

I herewith inclose a copy and a translation of the protocol, and I respectfully request instructions from the Department to meet the probable case of my being applied to by the Sublime Porte to sign a similar agreement on the part of the United States.

I have, &c.,