No. 80.
Mr. Whitehouse to Mr.
Bayard.
Legation of
the United States in Central America,
La Libertad, April 18, 1885.
(Received May 16.)
Sir: On the 17th instant I sent you the following
cablegram:
Government of Salvador decrees national vote of thanks to diplomatic
corps for efficacious intervention to promote peace.
I am now able to inclose a copy of the decree, from article 4 of which I
quoted in the above-mentioned cablegram.
I am, &c.,
[Page 116]
[Inclosure 1—Translation.]
Peace with Guatemala.
Santa
Ana, April 14,
1885.
Guided by the sentiment of peace and concord which ought to exist between
the members of the Central American family, I have accepted to-day,
through the mediation of the honorable diplomatic corps, that both in
Guatemala as in Salvador be immediately issued a decree proclaiming
peace and conceding a general amnesty to all who took part in the
revolution started on the 28th of February last. Further, I suggested
that as soon as possible plenipotentiaries of both Governments shall
meet in the port of Acajutla to conclude, under ample guarantees, a new
treaty, the stipulations of former (treaties) meanwhile remaining in
force, and I addressed myself to the Governments of Nicaragua and Costa
Rica, that they accept in their turn the proposition of the diplomatic
corps, sending forth similar dispositions to those of Salvador and
Guatemala.
I think that in proceeding in this manner I faithfully interpret the
generous sentiments and the needs of this people, whose highest aim is
to be able to enjoy an honorable peace, and that in treating with the
fraternity and concord of the Central American people they are as noble
and generous as they are strong and brave in sustaining their dignity
and independence. In due time I will transmit to you the decree which
will be issued, concerning the terms and other details of which I am
agreeing with the Government of Guatemala, and with those of Nicaragua
and Costa Rica.
[Inclosure 2.—Translation.]
Peace with Guatemala.
The executive power of the Republic of Salvador, considering, firstly,
that the causes which brought this Republic in a state of war with that
of Guatemala having ceased by the revocation by the Assembly of the
latter of the decree of the 28th of February last, in which was
proclaimed the union of Central America, and by the death of General J.
Rufino Barrios, who, in order to realize it, had assumed the military
command of these Republics; secondly, that under such circumstances it
is a duty of patriotism to bring the people to sentiments of fraternity
and concord, to make them enjoy again the benefits of peace, which is
the first and most imperious of their needs; thirdly, that the allied
Governments of Nicaragua and Costa Rica are animated by similar views
with regard to such vital interests, having all agreed to the
celebration of peace with the Republic of Honduras; and fourthly, that
through the friendly interposition of the honorable diplomatic corps
accredited in Central America, there has easily been arranged a perfect
understanding with the Government of Guatemala, agreeing to honorable
bases for a firm and stable peace between both Republics: Therefore, in
accordance with the powers it is vested with, it is decreed—
- Article 1. It shall be proclaimed
that the Republic of Salvador returns from this day to the state
of peace with its sister and neighbor, the Republic of
Guatemala.
- Art. 2. Shall be declared in force,
on the part of Salvador, the stipulations of the treaties which
existed with the Republic of Guatemala the 28th of February last
until it shall be proceeded to make on the same bases, or on
more ample bases, a new treaty which shall fix the relations of
both Republics.
- Art. 3. Shall be conceded a full and
secure amnesty to all Salvadorians compromised in the Union
which the Government of Guatemala proclaimed in its decree of
the 28th of February last, and in general to all Salvadorians
who are absent for political crimes.
- Art. 4. Shall be tendered a vote of
national thanks to the honorable diplomatic corps accredited to
the Republics of Central America for their friendly and
efficacious intervention to bring about the re-establishment of
peace between these Republics.
- Art. 5. Shall be selected Sunday
next, the 19th instant, to solemnize fittingly the
re-establishment of peace with Guatemala.
- Art. 6. The secretary of foreign
affairs is charged with the execution of the present decree, of
which account will be given as soon as possible to the
Legislative Assembly of the Republic, &c.
- RAFAEL ZALDIVAR.
- SALVADOR GALLEGOS,
Minister for
Foreign Affairs, specially authorized.
