Show PAPERS KNOWN AS X Y Z DISPATCHES In 1707 strained strained relations existed between the United States and the young French republic The United United States desiring to repair the friendshIp friendship friendship friend friend- ship between the two countries which had hod been of such Importance during the American Revolution sent three commissioners to France tc tt effect an understanding The government go of at France the France the Directory was Directory wag pressed for funds and the commissioners were given to 10 understand t that the United States could have hove the friendshIp friendship friendship friend friend- ship of France only upon terms which amounted to an International bribe that otherwise war wor might be expected as ns the result of affronts the French felt they had r received at the hands of the United States The American commissioners sent cent back to their government a series of ot dispatches describing their reception and the French proposals President Adams after seeing these dispatches sent word to congress that no agreement agreement agree agree- ment with France was In sight and that no terms compatible with the safety the honor or the essential In Interests Interests In In- of the nation could be ob ob- ob- ob tamed Copies of the Ole dispatches were forwarded to congress at Its request In the copies the letters X Y and Z were diplomatically substituted for forthe forthe forthe the names of at three French agents who had presented the offensive pro pro- Hence the papers were called calle the X Y Z corre correspondence The revelations rev rev- contained In the dispatches caused a great sensation an ant ana preparations preparations preparations prep prep- were begun for war with France Some conflict Indeed did break out upon the sea Later however however however how how- ever a satisfactory relationship was established between the two coun coun- tries |