Notice., February 18, 1868

Notice.

Having been officially informed that war exists in Japan between his Majesty the Mikado and the Tycoon, and being desirous of taking measures to secure the observance of a strict neutrality on the part of citizens of the United States of America, I give notice to such citizens that active participation in this war, by entering into service, the sale or charter of vessels of war or transport ships for the transportation of troops, the transportation of troops, military persons, military dispatches, arms, ammunition, or articles contraband of war, to or for either of the contending parties, and similar acts, constitute, according to international law, a breach of neutrality, and may therefore be treated as hostile acts.

Persons in such military service would subject themselves to the rules of war, while ships and other means of conveyance engaged in a breach of neutrality would render themselves liable to capture and confiscation, which rule may extend to cargo belonging to neutrals.

Such breaches would also involve the citizen and vessel in the danger of forfeiting claim to the protection of their government, as well as the rights and privileges granted by the treaty between the United States and Japan.