Mr. Seward to Mr. Hall.
Sir: Hitherto your instructions have been not to recognize any government in Bolivia which was not adopted through the free will and constitutionally expressed voice of the people of that republic; but, nevertheless, under the peculiar circumstances which surround the questions pending between the South American republics on the Pacific and the government of Spain, the President deems it expedient, under the exigencies of the present condition of affairs in that region, to recognize the actual government of Bolivia, if that government has become truly and in fact consolidated since the date of your despatch No. 54, of November 25th, 1865.
I enclose herewith a copy of a communication addressed by direction of the President to Señor F. S. Asta Buruaga, the chargé d’affaires of the republic of Chili, duly accredited to the government of the United States, in reference to the war existing between Spain on the one part, and Chili and her allies on the other.
Should, therefore, the late contest between the factions in Bolivia have been brought to a peaceful termination when you receive this despatch, you will signify to the minister for foreign affairs of Bolivia your readiness to renew your official relations with the duly constituted authorities of that republic.
After the consummation of the above-mentioned measures, you will address a respectful note to the minister for foreign affairs, with which you will transmit to him a copy of my* communication of the 17th instant to Señor F. S. Asta [Page 331] Buruaga, a copy of which you will find enclosed, and request a reply to the same at his earliest convenience, which, when received, you will lose no time in forwarding to this department.
In the discharge of this important instruction you are expected to exercise a sound discretion.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Allen A. Hall, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
- For this enclosure see correspondence with Chilian legation.↩