No. 463.
Mr. Frelinghuysen to Mr. Baker.
Washington , July 8, 1884.
Sir: The question of the arrest of Mr. Dalton, at Ciudad Bolivar, came up during my recent conversation with General Guzman Blanco. He sought to justify the proceeding by detailed argument, which in the main followed the line laid down by Señor Seijas in his note to you on the subject, and was equally unsatisfactory as to the legality of the arrest, without trial or opportunity of defense, and without judicial process, of an alien who may be entitled to the protection of his Government under international law and the comity of nations.
I contented myself, however, with reserving all discussion of the points advanced by the general, until the facts connected with the arrest of the younger Dalton should be known. From your No. 960, of the 23d ultimo, it appears that you had not yet, up to that date, been able to obtain the information sought.
I am, &c.,