Mr. Loomis to Mr. Hay.
Caracas, November 7, 1899.
Sir: The Castro Government appears to be extremely desirous of formal recognition by foreign powers, and does not conceal its anxiety in this connection.
A majority of my colleagues in the diplomatic corps have cabled their Governments for permission to formally recognize the Castro Government as a de facto government.
I suggest that authority be sent me by cable to give similar recognition when the proper time seems to have arrived. As I have said in another dispatch, the Castro Government is in possession of all the ports, all the fortified places, and of all the cities and towns in Venezuela save Barquisimeto, which is of small importance. It also possesses and uses the machinery of Government, and is the only Government of any sort in Venezuela to-day. I think it is as well established as any government is likely to be for years in Venezuela. There is reason to think that none of them may have a very long lease of life, but I do not see why this Government should not endure as long as the Andrade government did.
I have, etc.,