James C. Morton to Frederic E. Ferry, January 2, 1884

Mr. Morton to Mr. Ferry.

Sir: It was an agreeable duty for me to inform my Government of the friendly manner in which you had received my earnest representations with regard to the long-standing prohibition of American pork, and of your liberal action in procuring the repeal of the obnoxious decree of the 18th February, 1881.

At the New Year’s reception, at the Elysée, I intimated to you that I was in receipt of a dispatch from Mr. Frelinghuysen, in which he requested me to express to you his appreciation of your course in the matter, which I now take pleasure in doing more fully than I could yesterday.

“I have to request you,” says Mr. Frelinghuysen, “to convey to the minister of foreign affairs the expression of the very great satisfaction which the liberal and enlightened course of the French authorities in reference to this matter, based upon thorough scientific investigation, has afforded this Government.”

It is the hope of my Government, and my own, that this liberal action of your excellency will be continued, and that you will be able to bring about a permanent and satisfactory settlement of this question, which has been so unexpectedly and so unfortunately reopened by the resolution of Mr. Paul Bert.

I avail, &c.,