Gebauer to T. B. Van Buren, April 6, 1875

Mr. Gebauer to Mr. Van Buren.

Sir: In reply to your circular of the 1st instant, I have the honor to inform you—

• That German subjects, living in Japan, are in the first place amenable to the law of the German Empire, and, furthermore, to the regulations stipulated by the treaties between Germany and Japan.
• No municipal law being established at this port, the consul may, at the instance of the Japanese authorities, or by his own judgment, issue new regulations to his countrymen; but he is not allowed to put them into force without previously having applied for and obtained the sanction of the foreign office at Berlin.
• No German subject can be prohibited by law from selling liquors or keeping a public house at this port, unless he should prove to protect disorderly demeanor.

I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,