Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 1, 1890

Mr. Blaine to Mr. Lincoln.

Department of State,
Washington, May 26, 1890.

No. 270.]

Sir: I transmit to you herewith for your information a translation of a note^* from the minister of Venezuela at this capital concerning the Venezuelan boundary question.

The statements of the Venezuelan minister are interesting from the historical point of view, especially in regard to the shifting nature of the British contention; but, as the essential elements of the determination of the problem are matters of record, there should be no difficulty in reaching a just conclusion on the merits, and, in the expectation of such a result, it is proper to refrain from any prejudgment of opinion on the merits of the British contention.

I am, etc.,

James G. Blaine.

1. For inclosure see note of May 20, 1890, from the minister from Venezuela.