Thile to Bancroft, September 5, 1870

Mr. Von Thile to Mr. Bancroft.

Bear Mr. Bancroft: You are aware that the French have repeatedly disregarded not only the general law of nations by firing at a flag of truce, but also the convention of Geneva, to which they are a party, by attacking our ambulances and surgeons. Count Bismarck has addressed a remonstrance on this subject to the French government, and, in order to save time, has transmitted the dispatch to Count Bernstorff, with the injunction to request your colleague, Mr. Motley, to forward it to Mr. Washburne. But Mr. Motley, and not without apparent reason, doubts if in his position he would be justified in making himself the intermediary of such a communication. Count Bismarck, therefore, desires me to ask your opinion as to the best way of conducting a non-military correspondence, the urgent necessity of which may any day arise between us and the French government. Would you think it advisable for me to telegraph to Baron Gerolt to demand an authorization for Mr. Motley? Or what else would you propose? * * * * * * *