Mr. Bridgman to Mr.
Hay.
Legation of the United States,
La Paz, Bolivia, December 24, 1898.
No. 79.]
Sir: I have the honor to state that the
ministers in La Paz representing the American, Brazilian, and French
Governments have formed a joint council for the purpose of acting in
unison regarding the reception and treatment of refugees asking “asylum”
of the legations during the present insurrection.
In reference to the same I drew up a set of rules to govern our actions
in the matter, a copy of which I inclose herewith. These rules were
accepted without alteration, and signed by all.
The rules are based on paragraphs 50 and 51, page 20, in Instructions to
Diplomatic Officers, and paragraph 92, page 138, of Woolsey (Scribner’s
1897 edition).
The idea in South America is deeply rooted, among the populace at least,
that a foreign legation is legally a refuge for all sorts of criminals,
who may remain in safety from lawful or unlawful pursuit.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure 1 in No. 79.]
Conditions agreed upon by all the ministers
undersigned to govern reception of refugees.
Every person asking asylum must be received first in the outer or
waiting room of the legation, and there state his name, official
capacity, if any, residence, and reasons for demanding refuge; also
if his life is threatened by mob violence or is in active danger
from any attack.
If, according to the joint rules laid down by the committee composed
of the Brazilian, American, and French ministers, he shall be
adjudged eligible for protection, he must subscribe to the following
rules in writing:
- First. To agree that the authorities shall be at once
notified of his place of refuge.
- Second. To hold no communication with any outside person,
and to receive no visitors except by permission of the
authority quoted above.
- Third. To agree not to leave the legation without
permission of the resident minister.
- Fourth. To hold himself as virtually the prisoner-guest of
the minister in whose legation he is.
- Fifth. To agree to peaceably yield himself to the proper
authorities when so demanded by them and requested by his
host.
- Sixth. To quietly depart when so requested by the
minister, should the authorities not demand his person after
a reasonable time has elapsed.
- Edwardo Lisboa.
-
George H. Bridgman.
-
C. de Contonly.
La Paz,
Bolivia, December 21,
1898.
