No. 462.
Mr. Frelinghusen to Mr. Baker.

No. 316.]

Sir: Tour dispatches in regard to the case of Mr. John Dalton, United States consul at Ciudad Bolivar, have been received.

Mr. Dalton did send to the Department the papers to which you refer, and they have been fully and carefully examined. Pending the determination of the citizenship of young Mr. Dalton, as requested by you, no definite action has been taken in the premises. The visit of ex-President Guzman Blanco to Washington recently, gave me an opportunity to express the sentiments of this Government respecting the assumed right of that of Venezuela to subject American citizens to arrest without form of trial or opportunity for defense.

In conclusion I may remark that the matter is held under reserve.

I am, &c.,

FRED’K T. FRELINGHUYSEN.