Drouyn de Lhuys to the Minister of France in Mexico, August 14, 1865

The Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Minister of France in Mexico

Sir: I have received your despatches to date of 10th July. What you write to me on the affair of our claims very particularly called my attention. You have thought with reason that the necessity of settling as promptly as possible the interests of our countrymen might induce us to deviate, in some measure, from our legitimate requirements.

I consider, therefore, that the settlement in gross—the adoption of which you have proposed to the government of the emperor Maximilian—would on the whole be advantageous to our countrymen and therefore acceptable to us. I invite you, in consequence, to press it in the most serious manner that the arrangements you may have prepared may receive without delay the adhesion of the Mexican government.

Receive, &c., &c.