136 REPORT ON EXCHANGES. 



uments (inclosure 9), which was signed by the delegates of eight of 

 the eleven powers represented at the conference. 



The original text of these documents being in French, my transla- 

 tions of them will require careful revision. 



I likewise inclose lithographic copies of the two conventions and of 

 the final protocol (iuclosures 10, 11, and 12). The latter was only re- 

 ceived to-day. The convention adjourned late in the afternoon of the 

 14th instant. 



On the 12th the King received ns at Lacken, and although suffering 

 from a severe cold, exhibited his wonderful knowledge of the current 

 events of all countries, which with his courteous manners render him 

 always a most entertaining host and a most enlightened sovereign. 



The Belgian minister of the interior, Mr. Rolin Jacqnemyns, enter- 

 tained the delegates at dinner the same evening. 



I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, 



Nicholas Fish. 



IXCLOSUKKS. 



1. Mr. Frere-Orlean to Mr. Fish, 4th of April, 1883. 



2. Translation of No. I. 



2. Proposals originally submitted for the discussion of the contents. 



4. Translation of inclosure No. 3. 



5. Proof copy of proceedings of conference. 



6. Translation of inclosure No. 5. 



7. Final protocol of conference signed by delegates of all the states represented, with 



the translation. 



8. Draft of convention for the international exchanges of official documents and of 



scientific and literary publications, signed by the delegates of all the states, with 

 translation. 

 9 Draft of convention for the immediate exchange of parliamentary documents, 

 signed by the delegates of eight of the eleven states represented at the confer- 

 ence, with translation. 



(Inclosure 1, 2, Translation.) — From the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Brus- 

 sels, Uh April, 1888, to Mr. Fish. 



Mr. Minister : The Belgian minister at Washington has informed 

 me that the Government of the United States of America, acceding to 

 the request which was made to it in my name, has decided to take part 

 in the conference which is to be held at Brussels on the 10th of April 

 instant, and that it has confided to you the duty of representing it at 

 that assembly. 



No doubt you arc aware that at present a preparatory reunion is con- 

 templated, to discuss and determine all the questions relating to the 

 system of international exchanges of official document and scientific 

 and literary publications. 



It is to be hoped, however, that it will be possible to agree upon the 

 text of a project of convention, which shall be afterwards submitted to 

 the approbation of the respective Governments interested therein. 



Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Russia, 



