Mr. Perry to Mr. Seward.
Sir:On Thursday, the 22d instant, being the day set apart by the new minister of state for the reception of the representatives of foreign powers, I enjoined the opportunity for half an hour’s conversation with Señor Llorente upon the various subjects of interest between the two countries and the question now pending between Spain and Peru.
On this latter point I am glad to report that Señor Llorente confirmed to me, in the fullest and completest manner, the assurances heretofore given by Mr Pacheco, that the government of Spain had no idea at all of territorial aggrandizement, and no purpose to occupy permanently a foot of the Peruvian territory.
He mentioned the circular letter of Mr. Pacheco, of the 24th June, and his declarations in the senate with approval. He himself had not had time, as minister, to study the Peruvian affair. Mr. Salazar and Mazarredo had been with him the day before. He did not know what his own opinion about that business would be, and the council of ministers had not had their attention called to it as yet; but this much he could assure me, without any hesitation, that the Monroe doctrine of the United States would not be called in question by any proceeding of Spain in or against Peru.
If President Monroe himself were alive and on the spot, he should see nothing running at all counter to his famous declaration. Spain would treat Peru precisely as she would treat any other foreign nation with whom she had a difference, but whose territories she did not covet.
I alluded in an entirely informal way to your late conference with Mr. Tassara, reported in your instruction No. 21, of August 26, touching upon the treaty stipulations between the United States and New Granada about the neutrality of the Isthmus of Panama.
[Page 101]Mr. Llorente said he had not seen Mr. Tassara’s report of your interview with him, and thanking me for drawing his attention to the point, the conversation dropped.
I have the honor to remain, with the highest respect, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.