Mr. Baker, chargé, to Mr. Olney.

No. 719.]

Sir: Following up the subject-matter of my dispatches numbered 714, 715, and 716, I transmit herewith the official decree of the Government of Nicaragua, and translation of the same, concerning the abolition of the office of foreign relations in this Republic. This decree, although dated October 16, was published in the Government paper, the Diario Oficial, this day, October 23. It is, I believe, in every way consistent with the information conveyed to you in my previous dispatches.

It will be observed that according to article 3 of the decree this legation must carry on its relations with the Government of Nicaragua through the medium of the newly created “office of interior relations,” but it must address the Diet on all affairs within its jurisdiction.

I have, etc.,

John F. Baker,
Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.
[Page 461]
[Inclosure in No. 719—Translation.]

Mr. Zelaya to Mr. Matus.

abolition of foreign relations.

Considering that on the 15th of September last the Diet of the Greater Republic of Central America was installed in San Salvador in conformity with the compact of union signed in Amapala on the 20th of June, 1895, and considering that the management of the foreign affairs of the said Republics belong to the Diet, and in order to make the same effective, internal regulations have been adopted, dated the 17th of last month, which provide and arrange that the relations between the Federal Republics shall be carried on through the medium of the office of interior, the President of the State, in virtue thereof and adopting the powers that belong to him, decrees:

1.
The office of foreign relations shall be abolished from this date. This resolution shall be communicated to the governments that maintain relations with Nicaragua and the diplomatic and consular corps accredited to this country.
2.
A branch will be established in the office of interior, which will be known as Interior Relations, with the object of serving as the organ of communication between the Government and the Diet of the Greater Republic of Central America, and between the same Government and the other federal governments.
3.
The resident legations and consuls in Nicaragua shall carry on their relations with the Government through the medium of the office of interior relations; further, they must address the Diet on all affairs that are within its jurisdiction.
4.
The archives of the office of foreign relations will be in charge of the office of public instruction, which office will furnish the interior relations with documents, information, and other data necessary in the communications with the Diet and the Governments of the federation.


J. S. Zelaya.

M. C. Matus,
The Minister of Public Instruction.