No. 493.
Mr. Evarts
to Mr. Baker.
Washington , February 24, 1879.
Sir: Your dispatch No. 85, of the 24th ultimo, with a copy of the correspondence between yourself and the minister of foreign affairs of Venezuela, in relation to the resolution of the executive that cargoes destined for Puerto Cabello be discharged at La Guayra, has been received.
In reply I have to state that your non-acquiescence in the order referred to is approved on the ground that Puerto Cabello was in possession of a force hostile to the government, and consequently was not by such order closed to commerce. Such cases are numerous in the relations of this government with the Spanish-American States.
I am, &c.,