Count be Bismarck to Frederick W. Washburne, February 28, 1871

Count de Bismarck to Mr. Washburne

Sir: I had the honor of receiving your letter of yesterday’s date on the subject of the forthcoming entry of German troops into Paris. In answer I beg to say, in confirmation of the letter of Baron Thile, of September 28, that the German troops, as a rule, respect private property, and that any of the exigencies of war necessitating a deviation from that rule is not likely to arise during the intended partial occupation of Paris.

Respecting the billeting of soldiers, how desirous soever we are to exempt or alleviate citizens of friendly states, who have their domicile or residence in France, I cannot acknowledge a claim to such exemption as founded in international law, landed property and tenements of aliens not bearing any character exterritoriality.

I also beg to observe that the military authorities who have to provide quarters cannot be expected to enter into researches about proprietorship of houses, or relations between landlord, tenant, and occupant.

I have, &c.,