Mr. White to Mr. Hay.
London, January 12, 1903.
(Mr. White reports that he has had two interviews with Lord Lansdowne, one before and the other after he had discussed with the prime minister the question of raising blockade, which Mr. White suggested [Page 470] and expressed the hope that it might speedily take place. Lord Lansdown said in reply that in the opinion of the British Government it will be inexpedient, considering the past conduct of the Venezuelan Government, to remove pressure which has apparently brought them to a tardy recognition of their obligations until after Mr. Bowen has been able to satisfy the British ambassador at Washington that his instructions from the Venezuelan Government comply with the conditions laid down in the memorandum of December 23, 1902, and note of January 5, 1903, and particularly that he is authorized to effect a prompt and satisfactory settlement of those British claims included in the first of the three categories in the memorandum. Lord Lansdowne added that the question of guarantees for satisfaction of the remaining claims would also have to be carefully considered.
Mr. White fears there is no probability of getting the blockade raised until after Mr. Bowen’s arrival in Washington.)