Mr. Clayton to Mr. Hay.

No. 152.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith copy and translation of the decree promulgating the convention between Mexico and Guatemala, extending for two years from May 5, 1899, the period fixed for the completion of the work of the boundary commission.

This convention was signed on May 17, 1898, ratified by the President of Mexico on May 24, 1898, ratified by the President of Guatemala on April 7, 1899, and the ratifications were exchanged in this city on May 8, 1899.

I have, etc.,

Powell Clayton.
[Inclosure.]

[From Diario Oficial.—Translation.]

The President of the Republic has seen fit to transmit to me the following decree:

“Porfirio Díaz, President of the United Mexican States, to the inhabitants thereof, know ye:

“That on the seventeenth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-eight, there was concluded and signed in this city of Mexico, by the plenipotentiaries duly authorized for the purpose, a convention between the United Mexican States and the Republic of Guatemala which prorogues the period fixed for the completion of the work of the commissions charged with drawing the boundary line between the two countries in the form and of the tenor following:

“The Government of the United Mexican States and the Government of the Republic of Guatemala considering that the period of two years fixed by article [Page 502] four of the boundary treaty between the two countries of September twenty-seven, one thousand eight hundred and eighty-two, for the completion of the work of the commissions charged with drawing the boundary line, amplified and renewed by the protocol and conventions which will hereafter be mentioned, has not been sufficient for the purpose, and desiring that the said operations be completed, have agreed to again extend the said period, appointing their plenipotentiaries to that end, to wit:

  • “By the President of the United Mexican States, Licenciate Don Ignacio Mariscal, secretary of foreign relations, and
  • “By the President of the Republic of Guatemala, Licenciate Don Juan Francisco Rodriguez Castillejo, minister resident of Guatemala near the Government of Mexico:

“Who, duly authorized by their respective Governments, have agreed upon the following:

“Sole article. The high contracting parties agree that the period fixed by the boundary treaty of September twenty-seven, one thousand eight hundred and eighty-two, amplified and renewed by the protocol and conventions of July eight, one thousand eight hundred and eighty-five, of October sixteen, one thousand eight hundred and eighty-six, of October twenty-two, one thousand eight hundred and eighty-eight, of October twenty, one thousand eight hundred and ninety, of July ten, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-four, of March sixteen, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-six, and October six, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-seven, for the completion of the work of the commissions charged with drawing the boundary line between the two countries, shall be prorogued for one year which will expire on May five, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-nine.

“In testimony whereof the said plenipotentiaries have signed this convention and affixed thereto their respective seals.

“Done in two originals in the city of Mexico on the seventeenth day of the month of May, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-eight.

[l. s.] Ignacio Mariscal.
[l. s.] J. F. Rodriguez.

“That the foregoing convention was approved by the Chamber of Senators of the United Mexican States on May twenty-three, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-eight, and ratified by me on the day following.

“That it was approved by the Legislative Assembly of Guatemala on April six of the present year and ratified by the President of the said Republic on the seventh day of the said month.

“And that the ratifications were exchanged in this capital on yesterday.

“Wherefore I order that the same be printed, published, and circulated and that it be duly observed.

“National Palace of Mexico, May nine, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-nine.

Porfirio Díaz.

Licenciate Don Ignacio Mariscal,
Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

And I inform you of the same for the consequent effects, renewing the assurances of my high consideration.

Mariscal.

To —— ——.