Mr. Wharton to Mr. Mizner.
Washington, August 6, 1890.
Sir: I transmit herewith copies of the instructions which the Department has addressed to you by telegraph in relation to the tender of the impartial good offices of the United States to compose the conflict between Guatemala and Salvador.
For further convenience, and in order that this instruction may convey to you a connected view of the position of the Government in this regard, copies are also appended of the telegrams exchanged between this Department and our legation in Mexico touching the proposal of the Mexican Government to act, either jointly or concurrently, with the United States in the interest of peace on the basis of a full recognition of the autonomous sovereignty of the several states of Central America. Only the existing uncertainty, as to whether you have received the Department’s instructions in this relation, and as to your ability to effectively execute them, by simultaneous communication [Page 62] with Salvador and Guatemala, has postponed a definite reply to the suggestion of the Government of Mexico.
The minister of the United States, being accredited equally to the several powers of Central America, will be expected to use his good offices and proffer earnest counsel, without dictation and with conspicuous impartiality, in the interests of peace and harmony among them. Whatever may be the temporary situation of affairs in any of those states, the Government of the United States withdraws none of its friendship for each, and maintains unaltered its respect for their independent sovereign rights. Barred by the highest considerations of reverence for the principle of self-control, on which all truly constitutional forms of popular government must rest, from interfering with the autonomous rights of other commonwealths, it is equally impossible for us to countenance forcible interference from any quarter. Our sole desire is that complete good will may prevail among republics which, by their geographical position and because of the many interests they possess in common, seem especially fitted to move in concord toward the attainment of their conjoint ends.
It is believed that the instructions which have been sent to you to proceed to San José and there avail yourself of the coöperation of our naval vessels, which has been promised in order to open safe and speedy communication with the Provisional Government of Salvador, will enable you to fulfill your instructions with impartial friendship to both contestants, and at the same time to preserve communication with the other Central American governments and take avail of whatever disinterested efforts they may be disposed to put forth toward the restoration of peace. Your mission is important as well as delicate, and, with confidence in your zeal and sound discretion, your report of the result of your endeavors is awaited with anxious interest.
I am, etc.,
Acting Secretary.