Mr. Egan to Mr. Blaine.
Valparaiso, January 17,1892. (Received January 18.)
On January 11 read for the minister of foreign affairs your telegram January 8; and in his reply to the questions regarding safe-conduct said that he could not, on behalf of the Chilean Government, grant safe-conduct, but personally he would give me the assurance that the refugees leave country whenever they pleased. I pressed for written safe-conduct on the ground that in going by passenger steamer which stops at Chilean ports they might be interfered with by the local authorities. Minister assured me that he would take measures that [Page 288] there should be no such interference, and that they could go with entire security.
On January 12 I called at the department of foreign relations and informed undersecretary that on that night I should accompany refugees to Valparaiso. Did it, and refugees engaged passage by the British steamer, some to Montevideo and some to Iquique.
On January 15 I had interview with the minister, who maintained that he gives no permission nor promise of security for the refugees, and refuses to guaranty their safety in passing Chilean ports. He at the same time expressed displeasure that I and the Spanish minister and the Italian minister had accompanied them, and also that the commander of the Yorktown fired customary salute for the Spanish minister.
Under these circumstances they can not leave Yorktown, and the commander of the Yorktown has telegraphed for instructions as to what disposition he shall make of them.