Mr. Bowen to Mr. Hay.
Caracas, December 20, 1902.
(Mr. Bowen reports that arbitration at The Hague is considered objectionable by Venezuela, because it is very slow and expensive; also, in the present case, prejudicial to the interests of the Venezuelan Government, which wishes its warships returned at once, and the control of its rivers and ports, so as to prevent arms and ammunition from being imported by the revolutionists, who are so numerous that if they receive a good supply of arms and ammunition it will be much more difficult to completely reestablish peace.
In Mr. Bowen’s opinion, Venezuela would be willing to pay a good sum in cash at once to the three powers, and would agree that a mixed commission should settle the amounts to be paid on claims, and would furnish ample guarantee that payments of such amounts will be promptly made.
As full powers have been given to Mr. Bowen, he states that he may decide that in the interests of Venezuela it is better to accept at once and in full the ultimatums of the three powers than to leave the matter to the tribunal at The Hague. Mr. Bowen prefers, of course, a modification of the ultimatums, if possible, about amounts of cash payments.
If arbitration at The Hague is desired, Mr. Bowen inquires what favorable proposition can be made to Venezuela by the powers; if they would release warships immediately and stop the blockade, and states that he is bound to act in the interests of Venezuela.)