LEON ROCHES, The Minister of France in Japan to Baron Brin, attache of the legation of France in Japan, at Hiogo, February 9, 1868

Copy of instructions to Baron Brin, attache of the legation of France in Japan, at Hiogo.

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that in consequence of the gravity of the circumstances, and the particular nature of events we have witnessed, I believe that I ought not to leave to any one the duty of giving the necessary information to my government. I go, to this effect, to Yokohama, and leave to you, in the quality of chargé d’affaires ad interim, the care of representing France in Japan.

The line of conduct you will have to follow, until you will have received other instructions, confines itself to the protection of the naval and national interests of France, and to agree to the decisions which will be taken conjointly, by the representatives of foreign powers, in order to maintain in fact and in appearance the mutual understanding of such representatives, which has already produced and will produce such happy results.

I am convinced that you will find with my colleagues the most complete and cordial help to facilitate the accomplishment of the mission I confide to you.

I transmit to every one of my colleagues a copy of the present instructions, which, if necessary, will serve to accredit you near the government which will be recognized de facto, in that part of Japan where the interests of our countrymen are already engaged.

Receive, sir, the assurance of my very distinguished consideration,