L. Ethéart to John Mercer Langston, July 10, 1879

Mr. Ethéart to Mr. Langston.

Mr. Minister: I desire to ask you, in the name of my government, to have the goodness to convoke, in the shortest possible time, the diplomatic and consular corps. The English man-of-war Boxer being in the harbor, the government desires that the refugees in the different consulates may be embarked as soon as possible. They may await on board of her the arrival of the royal mail, which comes here to-morrow or the day after to-morrow.

You will be kind enough, Mr. Minister, to consult with the corps over which you preside, as to the proper means of securing this result agreeably to the promise made when the embarkation of these persons on board of the Ailsa was refused. The legations of France and Spain, as is known, alleged as the ground of their refusal to permit said embarkation the fact that they had themselves taken measures to have the refugees placed on board of some vessel, and that they were awaiting, with this view, the arrival of a man-of-war.

This condition being to-day fulfilled by the presence of the Boxer in our waters, and the near arrival of the royal mail, no obstacle can hereafter be opposed to the execution of the promise which has been made us.

I believe it my duty to advise you, Mr. Minister, that if the members of the diplomatic and consular corps neglect this favorable opportunity for the embarkation of the individuals whom they have received at their residences, the government can no longer guarantee the security of the persons who have sought refuge under the protection of the different flags; and it would leave, with reason, the responsibility of the possible consequences of so dangerous a situation with those who have provoked it by their obstinacy.

I avail myself of this occasion, Mr. Minister, to offer you the assurance of my most distinguished consideration.

The secretary of state of foreign affairs.