The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-12-28
INTERNATIONAL CABLES.

Proposition from President Grant for In
ternatiOnal Cable ConventiOn--Inte resting
Letter from Secretary Fish Setting Forth
His Views.
The following communication rom Secretary Fish,
addressed 70 our Ministers and diplomatic agents in
foreign countries, viii be read with interest," as EN-.
bodying the views OF President Grant on the subject
OF international cables. Tue proposition OF the
President for convention OF all the Powers inter-
ested in the subject Is one that will commend Itself
as containing the practical solution OF a question
which threatens a deluge OF diplomatic correspOn-
dence:-
DEPARTMENT OF SrATE}
WASHINGTON, Nov. Is, 1862 I
SIR-The President thinks the present msment
favorable ior the negotiation OF Joint convention
by the maritime Powers OF the world for the pro
tection Of submarine cables. The United States
have peculiar interest in fostering the
construction OF these indispensable avenues OF
intelligence and IN protecting them against
Wanton INJURY. Its domains extend from ocean 10
ocean and ITS commerce plies ut regular intervals
alike from the ports OF the Atlantic ana OF the Pacific
the ports of Europe and Of Asia. Its citizens on
the shores OF both oceans are IN constant conmunl-
cation with each other across the Continent botn by
the commerce OF the world entities tue United states
TO initiate this movement Tor the common benefit OF
the commerce ana civilization of all. The features
WHICH the President desires TO incorporate into the
proposed convention are-
ftst-auilaoe provisions for the protection of
sucn cable lines III time OF peace aud OF wal, against
wiliul or WantoD destruction or injury. we have
seen during tue present year the submarine cable
connecting CUBA with the United states severed, ana
communication through it Interrupted. The presi.
dent proposes to prevent similar destruction and
injury hereafter. by Joint declaration that such
acts shall be deemed TO be acts or piracy and pun
ishec as srcn.
Second-sutable provisions to encourage the fu-
ture construction OF such lines. Experience has
already shown that the assumption by one nation
to control the connection with the shores of another
VIII lead to complications that may unless arranged
result III preventing all direct Geographic commun
cations between the two countries. fAe PRESIDENT
deems that tins can be best prevented In future by
proVluing that hereafter no exclusive concession
shall be made without the joint action OF the two
governments whose shores are to be connected. In
this way the capital OF both countries Will be en-
listed and at the time possible causes OF an
ference will be removed.
Thtrd-Provlslons against scrutiny OF messages
by government officials. the President thinks that
the right TO establish such scrutiny In favor OF the
Power controlling either end Of tue cable Is cacu
lated 10 lead to trouble, and had therefore better be
DRAFT or a convention embodyina these points
has been prepared. and s herewith enclosed. lt Will
be under Stood however, that this Is submitted SIM
ply as basis for future discussion should the lead
ing Powers concur With tine United STATES IN c0nsld-
ering the subject one for international
and jurisdiction. The President desires that the
France, Portugal spaln italy, North Germany,
Austria Russia Belgium, Holland, sweden and
MorWay Denmarx turkey Gresse Venezue,a
Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador ana Chile, may be empow-
cred TO enter Jointly and simultaneously into negO-
| tlatlons with the United States and with each
other with view OF concluding joint convention
for the purposes herenbetore referred to- and In
sructons Identical with these Issued TO tile
representatives OF the United States at each Of those
Powers. You Will, upon the receipt OF this propose
| to tue Cabinet OF -, to give 10 It's Minister at
with the United States and with the representatives
Oi such other Powers IS may pe empowered Tor that
purpose and to conclude with them sucn Joint
convention, and you are At liberty In your dis
creton, furnish TO the Minister Foreign Affairs
acopy CT tlese Instructions and their enclosure.
am, Sir, very respectfully your obedient servant
HAMlLioN FISH, Secretary OF State.