A Synopsis of the Content of the Berlin Conference as Recorded by the United States of America
"On the 11th of October last the German minister at this capital called upon the undersigned and communicated to me by note that proposal of the German Government, in connection with that of France, and in the interest of all nations engaged in commerce with the Congo region, to arrange, in a spirit of mutual good understanding, the conditions which would tend to assure the development of that commerce and prevent conflicts and misunderstanding. The basis on which it was suggested that an accord might be attainable were as follows: (1) Liberty of trade in the basin of the Congo and in the delta thereof. (2) The application of the Congo and the Niger of the principles adopted by the Congress of Vienna, to the end of establishing the freedom of navigation upon several international rivers, which principles were later applied to the Danube. (3) The definition of the formalities to be observed in order that any new occupations of territory upon the African coasts should be deemed to be effective. To the end of the considering these propositions it was proposed to hold a conference at Berlin, and inquiry was made of this Government whether it was disposed to take part in such a conference. In communicating this invitation the German Minister said it was expected that the powers taking part would severally reserve the fullest liberty of action with respect to the results which might be reached by the conference..."
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