No. 214.
Mr. Evarts to Señor Arosemena.
Washington, April 17, 1880.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your several communications of February 13, April 1, and April 15.
You will remember that soon after the receipt of your note of February 13 I took occasion to have an interview with you, in which I intimated that this government could scarcely consider the newspaper reports referred to as a sufficient basis for the demand of formal explanations; that I was not then in possession of the information upon which the definite wishes of this government would finally take shape, but that you might rest assured that no action had been taken or was contemplated which could in any degree be regarded as inattentive to the complete equality and independence of the Colombian Republic or in the least disregardful of its interests; and that, in case this government [Page 337] should find it useful to its commercial and naval interests to establish coaling stations in any ports of the isthmus, it would present the matter in the usual manner to the friendly allowance of the Colombian Government.
Upon the receipt of your note of April 1, from New York, I several times made inquiries as to the time of your return in order that I might secure an interview, and upon the receipt of your note of the 15th of April, advising me of your return, you were immediately desired to do me the honor of calling at the Department, when you were informed that my necessary absence in New York would postpone my reply for a day or two, but that I would endeavor to furnish you an answer in season for your mail of the 20th instant.
I have recalled these facts to your attention simply to confirm the assurance, which you must already feel, that there has been on the part of this government no disposition to misconstrue or neglect your natural desire to be duly informed of any action, which might affect the interests or dignity of the State you represent.
It is only since the receipt of your letter of April 1 that this government has been enabled to furnish you that precise information of the movements of its naval vessels on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the isthmus which you have expressed a desire to receive.
The Government of Colombia has been for a long time aware that the safety and convenience of both their naval and mercantile marine might require the establishment by the United States of coaling stations at some points on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Central America; and the Government of the United States has never doubted that the friendly feeling existing between the two countries, and the treaty obligations of this government to the Government of Colombia would induce that government to afford it every aid and facility in obtaining and occupying such stations, should they be desired, within the territory of Colombia. This government was aware that the acquisition of such places, whether by the purchase of private property or by public grant, would need to be brought to the notice of the Colombian Government, and it has never entertained a doubt that its assent would be cheerfully given. Nor has this government ever supposed that the examination and survey of the harbors and unoccupied shores of these coasts could excite the apprehension of any of the Central American powers.
This convenience sought by a commercial and naval power has, as you are well informed, been accorded to this government at various points in the Atlantic and Pacific waters by all friendly powers upon the mere suggestion by this government that it was desired. I have therefore to inform you that this government, having under consideration the propriety of establishing coaling stations at the earliest practicable moment at such points in the State of Panama as might seem best adapted for that purpose, orders were given to the United States steamer Adams, Commander Howell, to visit the Gulf of Dulce, and to the United States steamer Kearsarge, Commander Picking, to visit the Boca del Toro and Chiriqui Lagoon, and to report fully the capabilities of those locations. Within the last few days only reports have been received from both of these commanders.
From Commander Howell the government learns that the point best adapted for its purpose is Golfito, in the Gulf of Dulce, and that with the permission of the local authorities he has made a small deposit of coal in that neighborhood.
As the boundary line in the Gulf of Dulce between Costa Rica and Colombia has not been determined, this government is at present unable [Page 338] to say within the territorial limits of which of the two States the point selected is situated.
From Commander Picking the government learns that, in his opinion, Shepherd’s Harbor, in Almerante Bay, is the situation, in the Boca del Toro, best adapted for a coaling station.
It is deemed at present unnecessary to discuss the character of the title which it may be proper for the Government of the United States to acquire, as the United States minister at Bogotá will be fully instructed to bring this whole subject to the immediate attention of the Government of Colombia, to submit to its friendly consideration the wishes of this government and to conclude any arrangement that may be necessary to secure the object desired.
It is gratifying to me, in conclusion, to acknowledge the spirit of friendship with which the vessels of the United States have been received and the facilities which have been afforded them, and to anticipate the confirmation of those cordial relations which have constantly existed between the two countries, by the friendly concurrence in its present wishes which this government has occasion to ask from that of Colombia.
Accept, &c.,