Mr. Bayard to the Marquis of Salisbury.
London, February 27, 1896.
My Lord: In order to reach a well-defined agreement for a basis of negotiation to constitute a tribunal for the arbitration of the boundary [Page 241] between British Guiana and Venezuela—which seems to be almost unanimously desired in both the United States and Great Britain—I have the honor to acquaint your lordship that my instructions continue to indicate an urgent desire to have the question removed, as soon as practicable, from the atmosphere of possible controversy; and to that end I have sought an interview with your lordship in order to propose, on behalf of my Government, an entrance forthwith upon negotiations at Washington to effect this purpose, and that Her Majesty’s ambassador at Washington should be empowered to discuss the question at that capital with the Secretary of State.
It has been greatly desired by the Secretary of State of the United States that a clear definition of the “settlements” by individuals in the territory in dispute—which it is understood Her Majesty’s Government desire should be excluded from the proposed submission to arbitration—should be propounded, accompanied by such explanatory reasons as may assist a comprehension of the intent and purpose of such exclusion.
It is the desire of my Government to assist in a basis of settlement which shall recommend itself to the sense of justice of both countries, and to invest the proposed tribunal of arbitration with high and liberal powers, to secure justice and equity in their award.
I have, etc.,