Challemel Lacour to James C. Morton, September 12, 1883

Mr. Challemel Lacour to Mr. Morton.

Sir: Mr. Brulatour, by his note of August 11 last, communicated with my department in reference to an application made to the federal Government by the board of foreign missions of the Presbyterian Church of New York consequent upon a decree rendered by the French Government, and having for object to render obligatory the exclusive employment of the French language in the primary schools of Gaboon. In calling my attention to the difficulties which would result for the American missionaries from the obligation to rigorously submit to the provisions of this decree, Mr. Brulatour asked me whether it would not be possible to moderate them somewhat.

I did not fail to submit the question to my colleague, the minister of marine and the colonies, upon whom depends the administration of Gaboon. While rendering justice to the efforts made by the Presbyterian missions to propagate the benefits of civilization, Admiral Peyron writes tome that it is not possible for him, in principle, to modify the before-mentioned decree.

However, in order to take into account the wish expressed by the Government of the United States in favor of the New York missions, my colleague shows a disposition to examine how far the administration might tolerate the employment of local dialects for teaching simultaneously with the French language, and he informs me that he is consulting the commandant of our colony upon the subject.

I will have the honor to inform you later the result of this examination.

Accept, &c.,