711.259/3
The Chilean Ambassador (Dávila) to the Acting Secretary of State
Excellency: I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that I have received instructions from my Government to inquire of Your Excellency if the Government of the United States of America is disposed to sign with the Republic of Chile a Convention for the Prevention of the Smuggling of Alcoholic Liquors that will permit Chilean vessels carrying such liquors to call at American ports.—
At the present time, Chilean ships must unload all their alcoholic liquors in Cristobal on the voyage north, to be reloaded upon their return. This occasions much trouble, as is natural, and much loss of money through theft, leakage and breakage, etc., and places our boats in a very unfavorable situation in comparison with those of countries that have signed this class of Convention with the United States.—
If the Government of the United States deems it convenient I should be very glad to present for Your Excellency’s consideration a draft of a Convention taking as a basis those of the same character that have already been signed by Your Excellency’s Government.—
I avail myself [etc.]