Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 9, 1891

Mr. Egan to Mr. Blaine.

Legation of the United States,
Santiago, July 25, 1891. (Received September 26.)

No. 182.]

Sir: On 14th instant I had the honor to forward a telegram informing you that the Chilean Government required, as a condition of clearing cargoes from ports in control of the Government, a guaranty that, should the ships be compelled by force to enter ports in control of the revolutionists, their liberation would be exacted by the fleets of their respective nations, stating that the ministers of England, Germany, and France had passed notes giving such guaranties and asking if I might do the same. On to-day I received a telegram informing me that my telegram of the 14th had arrived unintelligible, and requesting repetition in other form, which I duly forwarded.^* To this I have received cable reply, stating that the Government of the United States will always take all proper steps to protect vessels flying its flag, but declining to permit me to give the required guaranty.

I beg respectfully to point out that my inability to give the same guaranty as that which the representatives of other maritime powers are giving places United States shipping interests at somewhat of a disadvantage on this coast. However, I do not think the present state of things can continue very much longer.

For your information I inclose copy of one of the notes of guaranty passed by the British minister.

I have, etc.,

Patrick Egan.

[Inclosure in No. 182.]

Mr. Kennedy to Mr. Zañartu.

Her Britannic Majesty’s Legation,
Santiago, June 17, 1891.

Sir: Referring to the conference held in your office yesterday with the representatives of British houses interested in the export of wheat from Chilean ports, I have the honor to inform your excellency that on receipt by me of a list of the ships loading grain for Europe I shall apply to the officer in command of Her Majesty’s ships on this coast for special protection on behalf of the above vessels.

I beg further to assure your excellency that in case of the seizure or molestation of the above ships, by vessels of the Chilean revolted fleet, Her Majesty’s naval officers will insist on the immediate release of ships and cargo, and their restoration to the port of export.

I have, etc.,

J. G. Kennedy,
Her Majesty’s Minister Resident in Chile.

1. See telegram of July 25 from Mr. Egan.