Mr. Bayard to Mr.
Gresham.
Embassy
of the United States,
London, March 16, 1894.
(Received March 26.)
No. 180.]
Sir: Some questions in relation to matters in
Brazil were asked and answered in the House of Commons, and I have the
honor to inclose herewith the report thereof of the Times of to-day.
It is certainly a cause of congratulation to the war-worn people of
Brazil, as well as to the interest of commerce of all nations, that the
savage contest of the rival chiefs and parties for power in that
Republic has come to a close, so that a period of repose and
recuperation may now be hoped for.
The conduct of the relations of the United States to the republican
Government of Brazil, has been just, considerate, and thoroughly
judicious, and I am sure that the efficient presence of our naval force,
and its creditable action under Admiral Benham, has been a factor of
great value to the peaceful commerce of the port of Rio, and perfectly
consistent with neutrality throughout.
There are indications in the public press of complaint among British
shipowners and merchants of a lack of protection of their neutral rights
by the naval forces of this country.
I trust that the unhappy civil strife of the Brazilian Republic may now
be at an end, and having under your instructions given close attention
to the attitude and action of this Government in relation to the
contest, I have been unable to trace any disposition whatever to take
sides in the struggle or even to express sympathy in favor of the
replacement of a republican by a monarchical form of government in
Brazil.
The attitude of the Government of the United States and its avowed
interest expressed in relation to European interference with affairs in
the Western Hemisphere is, I believe, quite well recognized and
interpreted here.
I have, etc,
[Page 278]
[Inclosure in No. 180.—From The Times,
March 16, 1894.]
the revolt in brazil.
Sir E. Ashmead-Bartlett asked the undersecretary of state for foreign
affairs whether he could give the house any information as to the
progress of the civil war in Brazil, and especially as to the
reported surrender of Admiral da Gama.
Col. Howard Vincent asked the undersecretary of state for foreign
affairs whether Her Majesty’s minister at Rio de Janeiro had
confirmed the report of the cessation of the civil war in Brazil,
and in such case if Her Majesty’s Government would render all
assistance possible to British traders to recoup the disastrous
losses of the past six months of siege, and use its influence with
the Brazilian Government to devote itself to the development of the
riches of the country and the opening up of fresh channels for
international trade.
Sir E. Grey. The senior naval officer at
Rio, telegraphing on the 14th instant, states that the Portuguese
commanding naval officer has received Admiral Saldanha da Gama and
many of his officers and men on board his vessel. Her Majesty’s
Government have not yet received any further details relating to the
surrender of the insurgent forces in Rio Bay. The question of how to
deal with claims of British subjects for losses arising out of the
recent disturbances in Brazil is now being considered in
consultation with the law officers of the Crown. The Government of
Brazil can not be asked to take advice from outside as to the
developments of their own country, but Her Majesty’s Government are
anxious to use every means in their power to promote trade with
Brazil as soon the political state of the country admits of it.
Sir A. Rollit asked whether any complaints from British residents had
been received as to the neglect of their interests.
Mr. Hanbury asked whether it was true that one of the officers had
taken refuge on one of Her Majesty’s ships.
Sir E. Ashmead-Bartlett asked whether the Government would use its
influence to obtain clement treatment for those who had
surrendered.
Sir E. Grey. I can only say, in answer to
the last question, that Her Majesty’s Government has been most
careful to abstain from any interference whatever in what was a
purely internal matter [hear! hear!], and I can not promise that
they can see their way to take any action in the final settlement of
the dispute. It is true that in disturbances of this kind some
innocent persons must suffer. British trade is considerable, and it
has suffered, and that has naturally given rise to many complaints
which we have received; but I am sure that Her Majesty’s minister
and the admiral, who had a most difficult task to perform [hear!
hear!], have discharged their duties well and done the utmost
possible under the circumstances. With regard to Admiral da Gama,
our latest information is that he is on board a Portuguese vessel,
not a British ship.
