Fitzgerald to Merivale (Permanent Under-Secretary)
August 26, 1858
Sir,
I am directed by the Earl of Malmesbury to transmit to you the accompanying copy of a note from the French Ambassador at this Court, stating the circumstances under which the French Government are anxious that Monsieur Rousset should be recognised as French Consular Agent at Victoria,andManuscript image and I am to request that in laying this note before Secretary Sir Edward Lytton, you will inform him that the Earl of Malmesbury would suggest a compliance with the wishes of the French Government in this respect, if no objection exists thereto; and His Lordship would be glad to be informed as soon as possible whether the necessary Instructions willbeManuscript image be sent to the Governor, in order that he may communicate the same to the Duc de Malakoff.
I am, Sir
Your most obedient, humble
servant,
Wm Seymour Fitzgerald
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Merivale
The proper course, as you know, is when the man is in the Colony to authorize the provisional nomination pending the reference to the Governor. But as Mr Douglas can know nothing respecting a person who has not yet reached the Colony which he governs, & the Account afforded by Monsr de Malakoff of the proposed Consul is satisfactory, I think that the Foreign Office might be informed that Sir E. Lytton is aware of no objection to the appointment.
ABd 31 Augt
I think so?
HM Augt 31
Annex draft.
C Sep 1
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Draft, Colonial Office to Fitzgerald, 9 September 1858, advising there was no objection to the appointment of Monsieur Rousset.
Minutes by CO staff
Manuscript image
Mr Merivale
We have no printed Form which will quite meet this case, as the last passage of the F.O. letter contains an unusual request.
Other documents included in the file
Manuscript image
Draft reply, Lytton to Douglas, No. 18, 4 September 1858.
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
Manuscript image
French Ambassador [Mallissier] to Malmesbury, 23 August 1858, as per despatch (written in French).