Foreign Relations of the United States, 1894, Nicaragua (Mosquito Territory)

No. 35.
Mr. Herbert to Mr. Gresham.

Navy Department,
Washington, April 21, 1894.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith for your information a copy of a cablegram received on yesterday from the commanding officer of the U. S. S, San Francisco.

Very respectfully, etc.,

H. A. Herbert.

[Inclosure in No. 35.]

Captain Watson to Mr. Herbert.

[Cablegram.]

Limon, April 19, 1894.

First British landing at bluff justifiable; the consent of Nicaragua commissioners previously obtained. No claim of any right to land made by the British commanding officer. Landing at Bluefields on March 6 obligatory and believed to be necessary for the protection of life and property; the situation then critical; action of Nicaragua commissioners indicate they thought it so. Commissioners joined in sending written request to lieutenant British force at bluff to bring his force immediately to the town to prevent riot and bloodshed and in order to protect life and property. No British force on shore subsequent to March 20. Nicaragua in complete possession of Mosquito Reservation. Residents orderly but uneasy; dread the destruction of business. Uprising threatened should armed Nicaragua troops enter town; such entry unlikely. There is a strong feeling against Nicaragua; Indians of reservation mistrustful. No man-of-war at Bluefields when the San Francisco left; one needed during present uneasiness. Full report should leave Bluefields on April 18. Await additional instructions here.