Circular note of Colombia Government., October 11, 1880

Circular note of Colombia Government.

Mr. Minister: Adjoined your excellency will find an authentic copy of the convention celebrated in Bogotà on the 3d of last September, between the Governments of Colombia and Chili, by virtue of which the two republics bind themselves to settle in perpetuity whatever differences or controversies may arise between them by means of the civilized and humane method of arbitration, and to obtain by treaty from other sister peoples the celebration of similar mutual conventions, with the object of forever banishing international wars from the American continent.

My government, initiator of this measure, considers it of such importance that it has not wished to lose a single moment in making it known to all the other governments of America, in order that they may, as soon as possible, give adhesion to this idea and adopt as an integral and essential part of American international law the principle incorporated in the said convention.

Peace is an especial necessity for Spanish America, and there is a visible anxiety to secure this inestimable boon, and to preserve it from one extremity to the other of our continent. In effect great efforts are being made everywhere to disseminate public instruction among the masses, and to foment commerce and industry, while at the same time the inveterate elements of discord are being energetically attacked. Order will thus establish itself upon solid bases, as the knowledge and practice of republican institutions extend themselves, all of which will be accomplished when intestine wars shall become rarities.

But international dissensions may supervene, especially those arising from questions of boundaries and a strained punctiliousness.

Nations like ours, owners of immense territories, ought not to ruin or dishonor themselves by bloody and disastrous wars on account of portions of uninhabited, and in many cases uninhabitable, regions, which, for the sake of the civilization and humanity of America, might as well belong to one nationality as to another.

Wars of this class are those to be averted, and this will doubtless be accomplished, if all the nations of the continent adhere to the saving principle included in the transcendant compact celebrated between Colombia and Chili.

The President of the republic desiring to assist all sister governments in the adoption of so humane a measure, has resolved to return to Panama in the early part of September of the coming year, and he has ordered me to request your excellency to cause to be appointed a representative of your republic to proceed to said city with sufficient powers to sign the referred-to convention, not only with my government, but with those of the other American republics that may send representatives.

The city of Panama being in easy communication with the capitals of all the American republics, and as it were the center of this continent, is the most appropriate point to reunite the representatives of them all, and it is for this reason that by order of the executive power I extend to the government of your excellency this invitation, which I hope will not be disregarded, as its object is of such importance to America.

With the well established hope to receive at Bogotá a speedy and satisfactory reply from your excellency, I take the advantage of this opportunity to present to your excellency the sentiments of the highest and most distinguished consideration with which I subscribe myself,

Your excellency’s very attentive and obedient servant,