Von Thiele to George Bancroft, September 28, 1870

Mr. von Thile to Mr. Bancroft.

The envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States of America was pleased in his communication of the 15th instant to draw attention to the fact that there is in Paris a large amount of American property. To this notification was added the suggestion that measures might be taken for the protection of this property during the occupation of the French capital by German troops. The undersigned may be permitted to mention in reply hereto that German troops respect always private property so far as the necessities of war at all admit. Even under the difficult circumstances which may perhaps occur in Paris, all that is possible will willingly be done by the authorities of this government to guard from injury American property.

But it is desirable that the American citizens should themselves also take, on their part, those measures for the security of their property which other inhabitants of besieged towns take, i. e., avoid as far as possible the risk of loss.