Mr. Sherman to Mr. Coxe.
Washington, April 21, 1897.
Sir: I inclose herewith for your information copy of notes from and to Señor J. D. Rodriguez, the minister of the Greater Republic of Central America at this capital, in regard to the desire of his Government to charter American vessels for the purpose of transporting troops and munitions of war with the object of reestablishing order along the Atlantic coast.
You will observe the Department’s reply that if the proposed chartering of American vessels by his Government contemplates a regular contract with the owners or agents of such vessels, not compulsory but voluntary on their part, it can not be perceived how the consuls of the United States could interpose any objections to a legitimate transaction which the representatives of the American owners may be legally competent to effect.
If, however, there should be any appearance of coercion on the part of the employing Government, the consul’s intervention would be justified. The owners of the vessels should also understand that they can not expect the United States to intervene in their behalf should the employing Government fail to pay them for their services; for while the United States would not interfere to prevent an American vessel from voluntarily carrying arms and troops in the service of a Government trying to put down an insurrection, it would leave the vessel and its crews so voluntarily entering into such service to the consequences of establishing such a relation. Should a seaman employed for other services desire to be discharged, he ought not to be compelled to serve in the transportation of arms and troops.
Respectfully, yours,