Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 3, 1901

Mr. Bowen to Mr. Hay.

Legation of the United States,
Caracas, August 24, 1901.

No. 6.]

Sir: * * * I have the honor to inform you that the Colombian minister left here on the 12th instant with his secretary of legation. On that day Mr. Russell informed the Venezuelan Government that he had consented to take charge of the Colombian legation premises and the archives belonging thereto. The Venezuelan Government, on the 13th instant, acknowledged the receipt of Mr. Russell’s letter without giving or withholding therein its consent. The keys of the Colombian legation were delivered to Mr. Russell by the Colombian minister on the 12th. Inclosed you will find a copy of the agreement between the Colombian minister and Mr. Russell in regard to the duties to be assumed by the latter.

It would appear from the foregoing statements, together with the inclosure, that no request has been made of this legation to take charge of the interests of Colombia in Venezuela; and that Mr. Russell, and he only, is authorized or obliged to take charge of the Colombian legation, property, and archives.

As communication by cablegram or letter between Colombia and Venezuela may be impossible, I would respectfully suggest that any modification of the present agreement or any additional responsibility the Colombian Government desires us to assume should be settled by direct communication between Bogotá and Washington, and that then the necessary instructions should be sent by you to me.

* * * * * * *

I have, etc.,

Herbert W. Bowen.

[Inclosure.—Translation.]

Agreement between the Colombian Minister and Mr. Russell.

legation of colombia.

Luis Carlos Rico, minister of Colombia, being obliged to go temporarily to his country, and leaving no chargé d’affaires, in view of the good relations that exist between his Government and that of the United States, has decided to leave to the care of the Hon. W. W. Russell, chargé d’affaires of the latter country, the archives of the legation, which are in two sealed boxes and in a package also sealed, which contains two copy books. He also leaves in his care the legation building, its keys, official newspapers, and various books, which are in the bookcases in the office. The boxes, the package, the newspapers, and the books shall not leave the care of the honorable diplomatic representative of the United States, nor shall the legation seals, except to be delivered to the Government of Colombia or its representatives in this city.

In witness whereof Luis Carlos Rico, minister of Colombia, and W. W. Russell, chargé d’affaires of the United States, subscribe in duplicate this agreement, and seal it with their respective seals.

Caracas, August 11, 1901.

• W. W. Russell.
• Luis Carlos Rico.