DUCHESNE DE BELLECOURT, Minister Plenipotentiary of France in Japan to R. H. Pruyn, May 8, 1863

Mr. Bellecourt to Mr. Pruyn.

Sir: With reference to my letter of the 5th instant, I beg to call your excellency’s attention to an important point relating to the fresh extension granted in the conference of the same day between the French and English representatives and admirals; one of the conditions of this postponement being that the governor of Kanagawa should at once put a stop to the deplorable state of things resulting from the cessation of all trade and the disappearance of all servants and coolies in the employ of foreigners; on non-compliance with which the admirals would consider that in suffering this state of things to remain the Japanese themselves take the initiative of hostilities, and would then, in the interest of the general security of the settlement of Yokohama, take all measures rendered necessary by the state of affairs. It is agreed, sir, that in such call we would immediately inform you of these measures.

Be pleased to accept, sir, the renewed assurance of the high consideration with which I have the honor to be your excellency’s most obedient, humble servant,