The Acting Secretary of State to the Colombian Minister.

No. 4.]

Sir: I have to acknowledge receipt of your note of the 5th ultimo, informing me of the substance of a memorandum handed to Mr. Russell prior to his departure from Bogotá by the minister for foreign affairs of Colombia regarding the commercial relations between Colombia and Venezuela and inviting the good offices of the United States to urge upon Venezuela the recognition of the free navigation of rivers.

Mr. Russell duly presented to the Department the communication to which you refer, and the subject has had attentive consideration.

The principle of the free navigation of rivers has been advocated by the United States and maintained in its relations with its neighbors for many years. This government is ready, therefore, to use its good offices in the sense requested, and Mr. Russell has been instructed upon arriving at his new post in Venezuela to take advantage of fitting occasion to express to the minister for foreign affairs the great satisfaction with which the United States would view the adoption and proclamation by Venezuela of the general principle of the free navigation of rivers and fluvial arteries of communication common to neighboring countries.

It is of course to be understood that in touching upon this matter this government does not seek to intervene or mediate in any way in the relations between Colombia and Venezuela, but is merely interested in the universal recognition of a policy beneficial to the commerce of the world.

Be pleased, etc.,

Alvey A. Adee.