Minister Bowen to the Secretary of State.
Caracas, January 17, 1905.
(Mr. Bowen reports that the minister of foreign affairs resigned last night. He must begin negotiations again. The pending cases named in Department’s cable of yesterday are the only pending questions.
Mr. Bowen understands minister of foreign affairs, resigned because the President would not support his declaration that the words “diplomatic questions” include the Bermudez case. The President claims that is not a diplomatic question, yet he will never agree to let the United States take custom-houses. The American Government would have to do that by force.
Mr. Bowen adds that the new minister of foreign affairs, General Ibarra, is a personal friend of his.)