Noyes to M. Barthélémy St. Hilaire, February 20, 1881

Mr. Noyes to M. Barthélémy St. Hilaire.

Sir: I am instructed by Mr. Evarts, Secretary of State, at Washington, to convey to your excellency an expression of the profound regret entertained by the Government of the United States, that your excellency’s government should have deemed it advisable to issue the decree of the 18th instant prohibiting the importation of American pork into France.

I need not remind your excellency that the influence of such a decree is far reaching and most detrimental to the commercial interests of the United States. Speaking in the name of my government, I beg leave to express the hope that further consideration, and a fuller investigation of the facts which led to the decree, may result in its revocation.

In the mean time I beg to be informed as to the circumstances which have induced your excellency’s government to adopt the extreme measure set forth in the decree, in order that I may promptly make known the facts to my government.

I take this opportunity to renew to your excellency the assurance of the distinguished consideration with which I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant,