NICHOLAS FISH, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to Hamilton Fish, November 2, 1872

Mr. Nicholas Fish to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I annex a copy and translation of a note from the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in reply to Mr. Bancroft’s of the 21st ultimo, in regard to the costs and expenses of this Government in the Northwest Boundary arbitration.Re-imbursement’s of costs and expenses of the Arbitration declined.

The German Government decline to accept payment for their expenses in the matter.

In order that I may know the more fully the wish of the Department as to the course of acknowledging this friendly act, I delay answering Mr. Von Balan’s note until I receive a reply to the telegram I sent you which ran as follows: “Fish, Secretary, Washington: German Government decline compensation for expenses of arbitration. (Signed.) Fish, Chargé.”

I have, &c.,