Mr. Pruyn to Mr.
Seward.
No. 15.]
Legation of the United States,
Caracas,
July 23, 1868.
Sir: I herewith send you a translation of a
communication, (see inclosure No. 1,) received from this government,
relative to the opening of the coasting trade of Venezuela to vessels
bearing foreign flags.
In inclosure No. 2 may be found the decree of the government concerning
this event, and inclosure No. 3 contains a translation of the same.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Inclosure No.
1.—Translation.]
Señor Villegas to Mr. Pruyn.
UNITED STATES OF VENEZUELA, DEPARTMENT
OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, CENTRAL BUREAU—No. 87.
[Circular.]
Caracas,
July 17, 1868, 5th and
10th.
As it appears by the decree, whereof a copy is inclosed, that the
provisional executive of the United States of Venezuela has opened
the coasting trade to the foreign flags for the term of six months,
it being possible that it may happen that some citizens of friendly
countries may want to avail themselves of this concession that is
proffered to them, the undersigned, minister of foreign affairs of
the republic, hastens to inform you of such determination, in order
that, being authentically assured of the existence thereof, you may
be able to convey the same, if it should be deemed advisable, to the
notice of your fellow-citizens, through the adequate medium.
The undersigned renews, &c., &c.
Union and liberty!
[Translation.]
We, the provisional executive of Venezuela, decree:
Article 1. Foreign vessels are permitted to
carry on the coasting trade, observing the formalities and
requirements established by the law of the 25th of May, 1867, in
regard to the matter.
Art. 2. The effects of the provision in the
former article in regard to the coasting trade under the foreign
flags shall last for six months, calculated from the publication of
the present decree.
Art. 3. The minister of the treasury
remains charged with the publication of this decree.
Given in Caracas on the 16th of July, 1868. 5th of the law and 10th
of the federation.
GUILLERMO TELL VILLÉGAS.
MATEO GUERRA MARCANO.
M. SANTANA.
DOMINGO MONAGAS.
NICANOR BORGES.
A. PAREJO.
It is a copy. For the secretary of the department of the
treasury.
J. M. GONZALES, Chief of the
Bureau.
It is a copy.
RAFAEL SEIJAS. The Secretary of
Foreign Affairs.
