Mr. Baker, chargé,
to Mr. Olney.
Legation of the United States,
Managua, Nicaragua, November 16, 1896. (Received Dec.
5.)
No. 731.]Sir: I transmit with this dispatch a copy of a
communication addressed to this legation from the late minister for
foreign affairs in Nicaragua. In addition I send a translation of the
same and a copy of my reply.
The ex-minister’s dispatch is an official announcement of the abolition
of the office for foreign affairs in Nicaragua and the assumption of its
duties and powers by the Diet of the Greater Republic of Central
America.
This information you have had in several previous dispatches from his
legation.
I have, etc.,
John F. Baker.
Chargé d’Affaires ad
interim.
[Inclosure 1 in No.
731.—Translation.]
Mr. Matus to
Mr. Baker.
Office for
Foreign Affairs,
National
Palace, Managua,
October 16,
1896.
Sir: I have the honor to notify you that
this date my Government has ordered the discontinuance of the office
for foreign affairs, for the reason that the Central American Diet
has been installed in Salvador, empowered with the foreign
representation of the Republics of Nicaragua, Salvador, and
Honduras, in conformity with the treaty of Amapala of June 20,
1895.
I communicate this to you in order that you may place it within the
knowledge of your Government, to the end that it may be pleased
hereafter to treat with the Diet of the Greater Republic of Central
America upon all subjects relating to Nicaragua.
At the same time it is my duty to indicate to you that the
communications received at this office from the legation after the
15th of September, the date of the installation of the Diet, will be
transmitted to it for direction and reply.
[Page 463]
In giving up my position, on account of the suppression of the office
of foreign relations, I can not do less than render to you the most
gracious thanks for the kindly treatment with which you have favored
me during the time that I have had the honor of being in
communication with you, and to indicate also the gratitude of my
Government for the obliging and courteous manner always extended and
manifested by the legation, and for the good relations that happily
bind Nicaragua to your great nation.
Inclosed you will receive the decree referred to and a copy of the
treaty of Amapala and the interior rules of the Diet.
With the greatest expression of high appreciation and distinguished
consideration, I am pleased to subscribe myself, etc.,
[Inclosure 2 in No.
731.]
Mr. Baker,
chargé, to Mr. Matus.
Legation of the United States,
Managua, Nicaragua, November 16, 1896.
Sir: I am pleased to acknowledge the
receipt of the very courteous communication of your excellency
bearing the date of October 16, but postmarked on the envelope
November 14, and received at this legation to-day. Thus you will
perceive the reason for my apparent delay in replying to your
important dispatch.
It will give me great pleasure to transmit a copy of your
excellency’s note to my Government which gives an official notice of
the suppression of the office of foreign relations of Nicaragua, and
the assumption of the duties of said office by the Diet of the
Greater Republic of Central America, in accordance with the treaty
of Amapala of June 20, 1895.
My Government will no doubt at an early date indicate its recognition
of the new political body, and its desire to maintain with the Diet
the same cordial and close relations that have existed with the
Government of Nicaragua through the office of your excellency.
I take this opportunity to assure you that it is with profound regret
that this legation severs its official relations with your
excellency. Great industry and courtesy have always been manifested
by your excellency in behalf of all interests submitted by this
legation for your consideration.
May the good relations that so happily bind Nicaragua and the United
States together be always continued is also the wish of this
legation.
Please accept my thanks for the inclosures indicated in your
excellency’s note.
Believe me, etc.
John F. Baker,
Chargé d’Affaires ad
interim.
