Consuls general and consuls to E. B. Washburne, September 22, 1870
Consuls general and consuls to Mr. Washburne.
Mr. Minister: The undersigned, E. Tibergheim Ackerman, consul general of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay; Jules Thirion, of the Dominican Republic; Gabriel Lafond de Lurcy, consul general of the republic of Costa Rica; B. Fourguet, consul general of the republic of Ecuador; Francisco Fernandez Rodella, consul general of the republic of Chili; Ludovic Janré, consul of the republic of Paraguay; Eugene Thirion, consul of the republic of the United States of Venezuela, considering that they are clothed with consular functions by Southern and Central American republics, who have no accredited diplomatic representatives in Europe, or whose chiefs of legation are absent from Paris; considering that, in the present grave circumstances and the possibility of the occupation of the city of Paris by the Prussian armies, who may attack the persons and property of neutrals whose governments have treaties of friendship and commerce with Prussia or with the German states at war with France; considering, finally, that the undersigned consular officers do not find themselves sufficiently protected, inasmuch as their isolated or collective action toward the Prussian government is deprived of that diplomatic character and sanction which can alone insure its efficiency; for these motives the undersigned, invoking the sentiments of union and fraternity which should unite states having republican institutions in common, have the honor to pray you, sir, in the name of the law of nations, of justice, and of humanity, to take under the official protection of the United States of America the chanceries of the above-mentioned republics.
The undersigned hope, sir, that in case of attack or the occupation of Paris, you will kindly interpose your good offices diplomatically with the Prussian headquarters, and take such measures as you may judge proper that the Prussian troops may be obliged to respect the arms, flags, residences, persons, and families of the undersigned, as well as their fellow-citizens, respectively, who may seek shelter with them, by covering in this manner the undersigned and the interests they represent with the powerful intervention of the United States Government.
It is worthy of a great power like the American nation to lend its protecting aid to sister and friendly republics who have not yet acquired the necessary development to make right stronger than force in Europe.
Such an act of good will on your part, sir, solicited by the undersigned, is perfectly legitimate, in view of events and of the present position.
It will be received gratefully by the governments of the undersigned, and will constitute a debt of gratitude which can only draw closer the bonds of active and cordial sympathy which bind them to the glorious republic founded by Washington.
The undersigned beg you, sir, to kindly receive the assurances of their highest consideration and of their profound respect.
JULES THIRION, Consul General de la République Dominicaine.
E. TIBERGHEIM ACKERMAN, Consul General of Uruguay.
GEO. LAFOND, Consul General of Costa Rica to France.
B. FOURGUET, Consul General of Ecuador.
FRANCISCO FERNANDEZ RODELLA, Consul General of the Republic of Chili.
LUDOVIC JANRÉ, Consul of the Republic of Paraguay.
EUGENE THIRION. Consul of the Republic of the United States of Venezuela.