Mr. Seward to Mr. Hale.
Sir: I have received from the United States minister at Chili a copy of a note, which was addressed to him by the minister for foreign affairs for the republic of Chile, on the 16th of June last, in reply to a note of the United States minister which related to the proposition of the United States to Spain on the one hand, and the republics of the Pacific on the other, offering the good offices of the United States for the adjustment of the controversies, and a restoration of peace among the belligerents. From the Chilian minister’s reply it is inferred, that while Chili is unwilling to accept the form of arbitration which was proposed by the United States to the belligerents, yet she would not be unwilling to co-operate with her allies in arriving at peace through means of a true, which should be without limitation, and which should leave the questions of the war open, and should also leave the belligerents at liberty to renew the war upon due notice given.
The Chilian minister for foreign affairs refers, with apparent favor, in his communication to a proposition of indefinite truce, which appears to have been offered by France and Great Britain. The terms of this reply of the Chilian government would justify this government in retiring from any further continuance of its offices in mediation.
On the other hand, the same friendly disposition for the belligerents which prompted the proposition of this government has prevailed on me to submit the reply of the Chilian government for the consideration of Spain, to the end that her Catholic Majesty’s government, if it thinks [Page 16] proper, may inform the United States whether it is disposed to enter into such a truce as the Chilian government contemplates.
If the Spanish government shall desire the United States to make any further communication on this subject to the Chilian government, I will cheerfully perform that duty.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
John P. Hale Esq., &c., &c., &c.