No. 183.
Mr. Scruggs to Mr. Fish.
Legation of
the United States,
Bogota, June 17, 1874.
(Received July 14.)
No. 40.]
Sir: The Hon. Felipe Zapata, minister for foreign
affairs of Colombia in 1871 and 1872, more recently a member of the
Colombian congress, has been nominated and confirmed envoy extraordinary and
minister plenipotentiary from this country to the United States, France, and
England. I inclose herewith a translation of the note of the acting
secretary of foreign affairs, advising me of this designation.
Notwithstanding the terms of the secretary’s note, it is understood here that
Mr. Zapata is commissioned to England especially, and that his residence
will be in London. He, however, visits the United States on his way, and
will, as he informs me, spend some weeks in Washington. Of the nature of his
visit or the precise character of his commission thither, I know nothing
definitely.
Although it is alleged here that, for economical reasons, the three missions
to England, France, and the United States have been thus united by the
executive, and that no minister will be appointed specially to Washington,
it is understood in official circles here that an appointment of a, minister
to the United States will be made some time after the adjournment of the
present congress. The reasons for deferring the appointment appear to be of
a local partisan nature.
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure 1 in No.
40.—Translation.]
Mr. Vila to Mr.
Scruggs.
Department of the Interior and Foreign
Relations,
United States of Colombia,
Bogota, June 13, 1874. (Received June 15,
1874.)
Sir: I have the honor to inform your excellency
that the Hon. Felipe Zapata has been nominated envoy extraordinary and
minister plenipotentiary near the Governments of the United States of
America, France, and England, and that such nomination has obtained the
approbation of the senate of plenipotentiaries.
Mr. Zapata will depart in a few days for his destination, and the
executive power entertains the hope that the designation which he has
made in him, for the representation of this government near that of the
United States, may be as agreeable there as to your excellency here.
With sentiments of particular consideration, I subscribe myself your
excellency’s very attentive and obedient servant,
R. SANTO DOMINGO VILA,
Secretary of
War and Marine, in charge of the office of the Interior and
Foreign Relations.
[Page 360]
[Inclosure 2 in No. 40.]
Mr. Scruggs to Mr.
Vila.
Legation of the United States,
Bogota, June 16,
1874.
Sir: I am honored by your excellency’s note of
the 13th (received the 16th) instant, announcing the nomination and
confirmation of the Hon. Felipe Zapata as envoy extraordinary and
minister plenipotentiary near the governments of the United States,
France, and England, and his early departure hence for his post of
duty.
Recognizing in Mr. Zapata a gentleman of intelligence and high personal
character, and an able and worthy representative of the republic of
Colombia, it shall be my pleasure, upon all proper occasions, to commend
him to the consideration and esteem of the President and Secretary of
State of the United States.
With sentiments of high and distinguished consideration, I have the honor
to remain, your excellency’s very obedient servant,
WM. L. SCRUGGS,
United States Minister
Resident in Colombia.
