To His Excellency John A. Bingham to Thos. B. Van Buren, July 8, 1875

Mr. Bingham to Mr. Van Buren.

Sir: Your communication of the 3d instant, in relation to the extradition of a person who has lied to the United States, accused of embezzlement while in the employment of Mr. Brooke, has been received.

I infer from the tenor of your communication that the person charged is a British subject, and committed his offense in Japan.

It is my opinion that the question raised by Mr. Brooke, whether the person so charged and now in the United States can be arrested there under the extradition provisions of our existing treaties with Great Britain, is a question over which you have no jurisdiction, and that the party so charged is not by said treaties liable to be arrested in the United States for the crime charged against him, and therefore would not be surrendered under the existing treaties as a fugitive from justice to be returned to Japan to answer before a British tribunal.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,