“The resumption of diplomatic relations between France and Germany has enabled me to give directions for the withdrawal of the protection extended to Germans in France by the diplomatic and consular representatives of the United States in that country. It is just to add that the delicate duty of this protection has been performed by the Minister and Consul-General at Paris, and the various consuls in France under the supervision of the latter, with great kindness, as well as with prudence and tact. Their course has received the commendation of the German Government, and has wounded no susceptibility of the French.”

— U. S. Grant