Mr. Mizner to Mr. Blaine.
Guatemala, November, 10, 1890. (Received November 28.)
Sir: Referring to my No. 187 of the 18th of last month on this subject of intercepted correspondence, I have the honor to report that I requested Mr. T. A. Whitney, one of the most honorable and best known American merchants residing in this Republic, to interview the telegraph operator formerly in charge of the telegraph cable in Salvador, as to the control exercised by that Government over the business.
Mr. Whitney has just returned and informs me that he had several conversations with the operator, who stated distinctly that it is a part of the contract between the cable company and the Government of Salvador that the Government should have supervision of the correspondence, and that, as a matter of fact, during the late war in July and August last the authorities of Salvador did place a guard of soldiers over the cable office in La Libertad, controlling its business.
I renew my request for a copy of the disclaimer referred to in your instructions No. 186 of September 29, 1890.
I have, etc.,