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THE PROCLAMATION OF NEUTRALITY (1793)
by the President of the United States

A PROCLAMATION

Whereas it appears that a state of war exists between Austria, Prussia, Sar-
dinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands, of the one part, and France on
the other; and the duty and interest of the United States require, that they
should with sincerity and good faith adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and
impartial toward the belligerant Powers; 

I have therefore thought fit by these presents to declare the disposition of the
United States to observe the conduct aforesaid towards those Powers respectful-
ly; and to exhort and warn the citizens of the United States carefully to avoid
all acts and proceedings whatsoever, which may in any manner tend to contravene
such disposition.

And I do hereby also make known, that whatsoever of the 
citizens of the United States shall render himself liable to punishment or
forfeiture under the law of nations, by committing, aiding, or abetting hos-
tilities against any of the said Powers, or by carrying to any of them those
articles which are deemed contraband by the modern usage of nations, will not
receive the protection of the United States, against such punishment or forfei-
ture; and further, that I have given instructions to those officers, to whom it
belongs, to cause prosecutions to be instituted against all persons, who shall,
within the cognizance of the courts of the United States, violate the law of
nations, with respect to the Powers at war, or any of them.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the seal of the United States of America to
be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand.  Done at the
city of Philadelphia, the twenty-second day of April, one thousand seven hundred
and ninety-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the
seventeenth.

GEORGE WASHINGTON
April 22, 1793

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France declared war against Great Britain and Holland early in April, 1793. 
President Washington called a special cabinet meeting, which resulted in this
declaration of neutrality.

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Prepared by Gerald Murphy (The Cleveland Free-Net - aa300)