Washburne to Charles de Rémusat, August 9, 1872

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Rémusat.

Sir: My Government sympathises deeply with the Hebrews who are being so in humanly persecuted in the principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia.mr. Fish thinks that if the feelings of the Government and the people of the United States were made known to the Government of the French Republic, it might aid in carrying out the obligations of the treaty between certain European states in respect to protection of the persecuted class. Although the Government of the United States is not a party to that instrument, and as a rule scrupulously abstains from all interference, directly or indirectly, in public affairs in that quarter, the grievance adverted to is so flagrant as to impart to it, as it were, a cosmopolitan character, in the redress of which all countries, governments, and creeds are alike interested.

I am happy in communicating to your excellency the views of Mr. Fish on this subject, as I feel assured they will be cordially responded to by you.

My Government will hail with satisfaction all action of the republic of France which will tend to put a termination to a series of relentless persecutions, which have become the opprobrium of Christian civilization.

I take this occasion to renew to your excellency the assurance of my distinguished consideration.