Jules Ferry to James C. Morton, June 12, 1884

Mr. Ferry to Mr. Morton.

Sir: On the 29th of May last you were good enough to communicate to me the objections which appeared to your Government to be called for by the condition imposed upon the Commercial Cable Company by the administration of posts and telegraphs.

Mr. Cochery, to whom I referred your communication, has just forwarded to me the note which you will find hereto annexed.

It appears from this document—

• That the cable conceded to the Commercial Cable Company having a landing place in Ireland cannot be assimilated with a direct transatlantic cable.
• That it is by a favor, which up to the present time has never been conceded to any other company, that Messrs. Mackay and Bennett obtained the authorization under the reservation of coming to an understanding with the competent parties, to land a telegraphic cable in Ireland.
• That the period of the concession is not limited to 1889 like those of all the other cables laid between France and England.
• That in consequence the situation of the Commercial Cable Company cannot be assimilated with that of the French company from Paris to New York.

I shall be obliged if you will have the goodness to bring to the knowledge of your -Government the explanation contained in the note of the minister of posts and telegraphs.

Receive, &c.,