Mr. Ryan to Mr.
Blaine.
Legation of
the United States,
Mexico, July 30, 1890.
(Received August 11.)
No. 357.]Sir: I beg to advise the Department that on the
27th instant the Guatemalan minister furnished me copies of telegrams (see
my No. 355 of even date) received by him from the Guatemalan minister of
foreign affairs, among which was one dated the 25th instant, relative to the
seizure of the Pacific Mail steamer Colima, copy and
translation whereof are herewith transmitted. In regard thereto, I
telegraphed you on the 28th instant.
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure 1, in No.
357.—Translation.]
Señor Sobral to
Señor Dieguez.
[Telegram.]
Guatemala, July 25,
1890.
The Minister of Guatemala, Mexico:
This Government was advised of a steamer running from San Francisco with
a consignment of arms designed for the Republic of Salvador. Due to the
actual circumstances consequent upon the unjustifiable attack made upon
us by the boasted Government set up in that Republic, it can be
understood that it was not expedient for Guatemala to have those arms
landed, for they were designed to operate against Guatemala. In view
thereof, and in accordance with article 17, of the contract made with
this Government by the steamship company on the 23d of February, 1886,
the Government immediately demanded of the agent the company, Señor
Leverick, that the arms should not be landed in Salvadorian ports. The
agent said we were right.
[Page 651]
The
American minister had knowledge of these occurrences, also that the
agent of the company recognized our rights. The seventeenth article,
which I have cited, states: “The company engages not to carry on board
of its steamers troops or munitions of war from ports it may touch to
ports lying adjacent to Guatemala, if reason should exist for the belief
that such elements might be designed for use as against Guatemala or for
the purpose of war or pillage.”
I communicate to you the foregoing, in order that, being advised of the
true facts in the matter, you can establish the justice of the premises
that control our action.
