Mr. Egan to Mr. Wharton.
Santiago, October 3, 1891. (Received October 5.)
Mr. Egan states that he to-day read to the minister for foreign affairs the Department’s telegram of October 1; that the minister replied that his Government fully recognized the views therein expressed, and assured Mr. Egan that there was no intention of disrespect to the legation. The minister claims the right to take measures outside the legation to frustrate conspiracy, or attempts at conspiracy, on the part of the refugees, which he still charges is taking place. He stated that the order to arrest applied only to those against whom there might be legitimate grounds for suspicion, and denied that there could have been any order to arrest all persons visiting legation. The statement of police officers must therefore have been based on misunderstanding. He will investigate this point, and reply in answering Mr. Egan’s note of the 1st of October. All correspondence will be forwarded by first mail. Mr. Egan is certain there has not been and will not be any abuse of asylum, and will carry out Department’s instructions to prevent any. His desire is to obtain safe-conduct for refugees out of the country.