American Legation,
Caracas, April 29,
1906.
No. 73.]
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the
United States of
Venezuela,
Caracas, April 20,
1906.
D. P. E. No. 532.]
Mr. Minister: I acknowledge the receipt of
your excellency’s note of the 16th of the current month.
In turn I have instructions from the first vice-president of the
Republic, in charge of the presidency, to say to your excellency as
follows:
The minister knows that by his official communication of January 10
of the current year the relations between France and Venezuela have
been broken since that date; the minister also knows that in
consequence of the expulsion from French territory without just
cause of our chargé d’affaires, Mr. H. Maubourguet, the Government
of Venezuela found itself obliged to withdraw, in turn, its consuls
from France, for which reason there exists at present a difficulty
in regard to the consular clearance for merchandise that leaves
French
[Page 1438]
ports; and,
lastly, the minister knows that our consular law does not allow of
clearance by other consuls who, although they may be of a friendly
nation, have not the authorization of the respective Governments,
being, as unfortunately there is to-day, a break of relations with
France, according to a statement from your excellency on the
above-mentioned date.
It is opportune, in conformity with your excellency’s wish, to state
to you that the French steamers on their several trips have been
delivering correspondence in all of the ports of Venezuela wherever
they have touched, and that they have also taken in said ports and
can continue taking the correspondence and merchandise which
Venezuela sends to foreign parts, and that in regard to passengers,
these will be received always, provided that they comply with the
requisites prescribed by the laws of the Republic.
I take, etc.,
