No. 72.
Mr. Hale to Mr. Shannon.
Washington, September 25, 1872.
Sir: The Department is gratified to learn from the most recent intelligence that the prospect of an accommodation between Brazil and the Argentine Confederation was brightening, and, probably, that the differences between them would not result in an appeal to arms.
This is interesting to us both politically and commercially, for the issue of a war between those parties might be adverse to the republic, especially in view of its supposed inferior resources.
Such an issue would be peculiarly distasteful to the people of this country, though the government would make every effort to maintain an impartial neutrality.
[Page 109]Our important trade in that quarter could not fail to suffer more or less from any war between such belligerents, as our experience from the hostilities between them in 1827 admonishes us.
Under these circumstances, if you should suppose that your unofficial endeavors would tend to quicken or strengthen the pacific dispositions of those governments, you are authorized to employ them for that purpose.
You will, however, be governed by your best discretion in anything which you may say or do for that purpose.
I am, &c,
Acting Secretary,