James C. Morton to By the President of the Republic: The, November 29, 1883

No. 149. Mr. Morton to Mr. Frelinghuysen.

Sir: As I had the honor of informing you by my telegram of yesterday the official journal of this morning publishes a decree repealing that of February 18, 1881, by which the importation of American pork was prohibited in France.

The French packers were so much interested and so persistent in obstructing this long-expected measure that I feared the withdrawal of the prohibition might be coupled with some kind of inspection which would practically restrict its effect, but the decree removes the prohibition without any conditions. A circular of the minister of commerce, addressed to the prefects, informs them of the decision taken, and simply advises them to see that the pork offered to the public is fully cured, and to recommend to those making use of such meats that they should be well cooked, as it is scientifically and experimentally established, says the minister, that thorough cooking and salting destroys trichinosis when it exists.

Thus the position taken in this matter by the legation and maintained in repeated communications, written and verbal, is at last officially admitted as correct by the French Government.

In view of the information conveyed in your dispatch No. 379, of November 13, I informed Mr. Schuyler of the withdrawal of the decree. * * *

I deem it proper to avail myself of this occasion to express my high appreciation of the valuable assistance rendered and cordial co-operation of Mr. Vignaud in the long pending negotiations, as in all other matters, now so satisfactorily terminated by the withdrawal pure and simple of the prohibitory decree at a time when the current of public sentiment elsewhere in Europe appears to be running in a different direction.

I inclose herewith copy and translation of both the decree and the circular.

I have, &c.,