Mr. Uhl to Mr. Andrade.
Washington, May 25, 1895.
Sir: I duly laid before the President the translation of an instruction dated April 17, addressed to you by his excellency the minister for foreign affairs, which you did me the honor to communicate to me in our interview of the 13th instant, in relation to the present aspects of the boundary dispute between Venezuela and Great Britain.
The President directs me to say that his view of the convenience and necessity of resuming diplomatic relations between your Government and Great Britain remains unchanged. Only through the direct negotiations of an accredited envoy with Her Britannic Majesty’s foreign secretary does it appear practicable to initiate and accomplish an agreement for the arbitration of this long-protracted controversy.
Although the British Government has more than once intimated their indisposition to negotiate for an arbitration as to the right to certain indicated parts of the disputed territory, it does not appear to have been made a condition precedent to the renewal of diplomatic intercourse that Venezuela shall waive any part of her territorial claim. Believing that the unconditional resumption of such relations between the two countries is a proper and necessary step toward the eventual settlement of the question that has so long disturbed them, and that it offers, furthermore, a better opportunity for the friendly offices of this Government to bring about such a result, the President is prepared to again instruct our ambassador at London to contribute his personal [Page 1486] efforts to the end that fully accredited representatives may be speedily sent and received by the two countries, respectively, upon being informed that this will be agreeable to your Government.
When the diplomatic relations are so restored, this Government will be in a position to urge upon that of Great Britain the submission of all the territorial questions involved to impartial and conclusive arbitration, and I have pleasure in assuring you that its earnest endeavor will thereupon be put forth to bring about that desirable and honorable result.
Accept, etc.,
Acting Secretary.