Bulgaris to Francis, February 18, 1872

Mr. Bulgaris to Mr. Francis.

Mr. Minister: By your letter, dated 26th December, 1871, to my predecessor, you have expressed the desire to obtain information as to the quantity of Corinthian currants forwarded from Greece to the United States during the year 1870, and in respect to the Greek importation duties upon petroleum and other products of American industry.

Mr. Zaïmis hastened to ask for this information from the department of finance, and my colleague in that department has sent me in response the dispatch I have the honor to transmit herewith.

You will observe, Mr. Minister, that the importation of Corinthian currants to the United States was greatly increased from the year 1809 to 1871, inclusive. The increase promises to continue, according as import duties in the United States are diminished.

From the dispatch above mentioned, you will perceive that other products of Greece have also been sent to the United States.

I am, then, justified in the belief that if the American Government, in its solicitude for the well-being of Greece and in the interest of commerce, should still further reduce the import duties upon the Corinth currants, which duties are still very high, the commercial intercourse between the two countries will be largely augmented, and the two people, already so intimately related by sentiments of mutual sympathy, would realize the large benefits resulting from the increase of commercial enterprise.

Thus it only remains for me to reiterate the request that you will intercede with your Government, in the hope of obtaining a reduction of the import duties in question.

Be so kind as to accept, Mr. Minister, the assurance of my high consideration.