Mr. Mizner to Mr. Blaine.
Guatemala, July 16, 1890. (Received August 5.)
Sir: I have the honor to confirm my telegram of this date.
The relations between Guatemala and Salvador are more serious than ever, the respective armies now confronting each other being about 14,000 on each side.
The early position taken by this Government, to the effect that the new state of affairs in Salvador could not be recognized, has so far prevented any advances in the way of compromise for the want of a party of the second part with which to enter into contract.
The special ministers of Nicaragua and Costa Rica were received this afternoon, but what will be the result of their consultation I can not anticipate.
Señor Sobral called at this legation yesterday, giving me the information and making the request set forth in telegram of to-day, his appeal being most earnest.
To my suggestion that the Pacific mail steamer Colima referred to was a neutral vessel belonging to a friendly nation, having left a neutral port before a declaration of war, he replied that practically a state of war had existed between the two countries—confronting each other with their respective armies—over two weeks ago, and that the arms on the steamer had been ordered by Salvador since the two Republics had assumed hostile attitudes towards each other, and that, if the United States Government could not do something to prevent the delivery of these arms to the enemy, his Government might be compelled formally to declare war in time to treat the arms on our ship as contraband and seize them accordingly, especially as they would be within the maritime jurisdiction of Guatemala.
I reminded Señor Sobral of the position of absolute neutrality which the United States occupied between these Republics, and that I was accredited as envoy to each of them; but, if anything could be done in the interest of peace and good will consistent with that neutrality and the laws of nations, my Government would cheerfully contribute in that direction.
Accordingly, arrangements have been made for a delay of the steamer until the 20th instant, with a view of receiving your instructions in the mean time.
The cable by way of La Libertad in Salvador and Galveston is closed as to this Republic, and I am compelled to telegraph via Mexico, having, however, doubts as to its prompt delivery.
[Page 34]My telegram of the 8th instant, suggesting a war ship in these waters for the protection of American interests, which went by that line, has doubtless failed to reach you.
I have, etc.,