Mr. Thompson to Mr. Olney.
Petropolis, June 6, 1895. (Received August 10.)
Sir: Telegrams from Paris, received here on May 26, report a conflict between the French and natives on the northern frontier. It appears to have been precipitated by the entrance of a French force into the disputed territory of Amapa and resulted in some loss to both sides.
The territory of Amapa, lying between the Oyapok and Amapa rivers, has been the subject of a dispute between Brazil and France for many years. From the publication of official and other information, it appears that the original question of jurisdiction arises from the uncertainty of the Guiana boundary line as fixed in the treaty of Utrecht. French forces occupied it between the years 1836 and 1840 and they were only withdrawn after earnest representations from Brazil; both Governments agreeing that it should remain unoccupied, i. e., remain neutral ground until the boundary lines were settled. The settlement has been delayed from time to time. In 1892 the French Government through its minister here suggested that a mixed commission be named to explore the territory. This was at first declined, but afterwards an appropriation for the purpose was voted by Congress to be used during the fiscal year 1895 and on February 18 of this year the French legation was informed that Brazil was prepared to proceed with the negotiations. The subject is also mentioned in the President’s message of this year and the importance of an early settlement remarked.
The area of the territory is 80,000 square kilometers and contains above 18,000 people, principally Indians, negroes, and Creoles. They are governed by a chief, who makes laws and collects taxes. His tenure, however, is only by sufferance and is tolerated only until the boundary dispute can be disposed of. The present chief, Veiga Cabral, said to be an adventurer, has organized a small force and is endeavoring to establish a republic called Cunani.
This Government announces that the conflict will in no way affect the good relations existing between the two countries, although the local press intimate that recent discoveries of rich gold fields are the cause for the aggressive movement.
I inclose excerpts from the Diario Oficial and Jornal do Commercio treating of the subject.
I have, etc.,