VAN BUREN, Consul-General to John A. Bingham , United States, July 3, 1875

Mr. Van Buren to Mr. Bingham.

Sir: At the request of Mr. Brooke, editor of the Japan Herald, I write to ask your opinion and advice upon a matter connected with the existing extradition treaty between England and the United States.

A collector for the Herald and some other business houses has decamped on the Great Republic for San Francisco, carrying with him quite an amount of money belonging to his employers.

The latter desire to arrest him, and, if possible, have him brought back here for trial. They desire to know—

• Does the extradition treaty permit extradition for the crime of embezzlement?
• Does it permit the extradition of the accused to the empire of Japan to be tried in a British court?
• If yes, what steps are necessary, and who is the proper officer to whom to apply here for the necessary papers?
• Can the accused be arrested in San Francisco and held to await the necessary papers by a telegram?

My own opinion is that the accused cannot be brought here, but I shall await your advice.

Your obedient servant,