By the President: J. P. Benjamin to M. Paul, June 10, 1863

Mr. Benjamin to M. Paul.

Sir: It becomes my duty to inform you that the president has determined to permit no direct communication between consuls and consular agents of foreign countries residing within the confederacy and the functionaries of such foreign governments residing in the enemy’s lines. The passage in future of consular couriers, messengers, or of consuls or of consular agents themselves, through the confederate lines to the enemy, is accordingly prohibited, and foreign officials will be allowed to communicate with their governments only directly or through neutral countries.

I am, &c.,