The message—copy and translation inclosed—contains several points of
interest to the United States. * * *
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
Extracts from the message of General Cipriano
Gastro, Provisional President of Venezuela, to the National
Congress of 1905.
In our foreign relations the Venezuelan Government has maintained the
greatest harmony and good friendship with all the nations with which
it has relations, to the extent to which the respective
representatives have so desired.
Thus we see that our relations of friendship with Great Britain,
Germany, Italy, France, Chile, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain,
Argentina, Brazil, Sweden and Norway, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Panama,
Salvador, Mexico, the United States, etc., have been relatively
cordial.
In order to maintain these relations on so good a footing, the
Venezuelan Government has not failed to accede to the desires of the
respective representatives as far as justice, equity, and right are
compatible with the dignity and honor of the nation.
On the other hand, the government has taken pains to fulfill the
obligations which it has contracted, and, in accordance with these
obligations, which are diplomatic compacts, the peremptory demands
were first paid to the allies and afterwards, in conformity with the
sentence of The Hague tribunal, recognized as arbitrator by all the
claimant nations, 30 per cent of the customs receipts of La Guaira
and Puerto Cabello were paid.
In this regard there will be no further grounds for change, for once
the payment of the allies is completed the pacific claimants will
continue to be paid honestly and fairly from the aforementioned 30
per cent, in conformity with the arbitral award.
Since it was clearly and positively stipulated in diplomatic compacts
that the remaining debts of the Republic which did not come under
the head of claims should be paid within a reasonable period, for
which purpose the respective creditors were to reach an
understanding with the Venezuelan Government by means of new
agreements concerning the form of payment, the Venezuelan
Government, being desirous of proceeding to make these agreements,
sent Gen. José Antonio Velutini twice to Europe for this purpose,
conferring on him the necessary authority to conclude the
arrangements.
I have the satisfaction to announce to you that these agreements have
already been concluded and signed by the contracting parties and
that the agreement relating to the discount debt has been ratified
by the German Government, and that it will also soon be ratified
here. Our commissioner, General Velutini, is only awaiting the
ratification by the English Government of the agreement concerning
the debt or loan contracted with that nation some years ago in order
to return.
This operation, which I consider as being definitely concluded with
the German and English bondholders, is, in my opinion, of great
magnitude and importance, for on it depend, in part, the credit,
tranquillity, and good harmony of Venezuela with other nations.
The Venezuelan Government has, then, fulfilled and is fulfilling
everything which its representative, Mr. Bowen, agreed upon by means
of diplomatic protocols with all the nations with which Venezuela
had matters pending settlement.
If, as I hope, the ratification to which I referred should take place
before your session of this year is terminated, I shall at the
proper time request admission to you in extraordinary session in
order to relate to you in a special message the real extent and
importance of the operation.
We have had a slight difference with the Government of the United
States of North America from causes beyond our control and for which
we are not in the least responsible,
[Page 1038]
and our chancellery has discussed the matter
in a luminous manner, which appears to have explained the truth of
the facts to said government, judging from the measures which it has
recently adopted in behalf of our good and cordial friendship.
These matters are that of the Bermudez, or Asphalt, Company and that
of the Orinoco Company, already determined by the respective
arbitrators, in conformity with the protocols concluded by the
aforesaid Mr. Bowen, who demanded that it be taken into
consideration by a new court of arbitration. To neither of these
demands could the Government of Venezuela accede, since the
sovereignty and independence of the Republic were involved, although
the government has always made it a rule in its policy with all
countries to preserve the greatest cordiality and good
friendship.
Our official relations with the government of our sister nation,
Colombia, have not yet been able to be resumed, as was our desire,
in spite of the fact that the relations of friendship with the Chief
Magistrate of that nation have remained unchanged.
The cause has not lain with the Venezuelan Government, as those who
ought to know are well aware, viz, those who have had a part in so
serious a matter.
Nevertheless, I cherish the hope that these official relations will
soon be resumed, as is demanded by our common interests, our common
glory, and the future of both nations, the whole matter being
governed by a spirit of equitable reconciliation, in accordance with
the facts in this case.
It is proper in this connection to mention the decisive, important,
honest, frank, and impartial assistance which the arbitrator
recognized by both parties, Mr. Francisco Herboso, minister of Chile
in this city, has lent toward a successful continuation of the
negotiations.
So that, in venturing to hope, as I do, for a successful solution, I
am influenced by the fundamental belief that intrigue can no longer
place an obstacle in the way of so noble a purpose.
* * * * * * *
