Adolfo Ibañez to Root, November 27, 1872

Mr. Ibañez to Mr. Root.

Sir: Referring to the note of your excellency, dated 4th of September last, which was received the 9th of the same month, I have now the honor of remitting to your excellency an authenticated copy of the annexed official letter, which, on the 14th of October, the minister of marine directed to me in answer to a note which, with the object of satisfying the desire expressed by your excellency, was communicated to him by this ministry.

I ought to add, only, to that which is contained in the annexed copy, that the informer, Captain Oscar Viel, now governor of Magellan, is an experienced officer of our national marine, who has resided for some years in that territory, and to whose knowledge my government gives credit, without accepting by that, however, all the conclusions to which he arrives in the inclosed information.

It may not be out of the way also for me to state to your excellency that my government is now occupying itself with all activity in facilitating by every means in its power the navigation of the Straits of Magellan in the interest of the commerce of all nations, and that, perhaps, much time may not transpire before I may have the honor to communicate to your excellency the means adopted for that object.

Please to accept, &c.