Ernest Dichman to Señor Santamaria, January 7, 1881
Mr. Dichman to Señor Santamaria.
Sir: The negotiation of the treaty for the preservation of peace between the Republics of Colombia and Chili, concluded between the chargé d’affaires of the latter country and yourself, having been reported by me to my government, it affords me much pleasure to inform you that the intelligence thus conveyed by me has been received with feelings of lively satisfaction at Washington, as indicating on the part of the Government of Colombia, not merely a desire to maintain and strengthen the relations of peace and good will with the Government of Chili, but as evincing also a concurrence with the great principle of arbitration in the settlement of international disputes, by establishing in the treaty above mentioned that system of appeal as between cosignatory states in all future emergencies; and the designation, made in the same instrument, of the President of the United States as arbitrator between them in certain contingencies has been accepted as a manifestation of that confidence in the impartial amity of the Government of the United States for the sister republics of the American continent, which it has always been its proud privilege to welcome on every fitting occasion and strengthen by its example of good will and kindly interest in their welfare.
In advance of the completion of the treaty by the exchange of the ratifications for which provision is made in the fourth article, or in anticipation of any formal invitation by Colombia, I am pleased to be able to convey to you the informal assurance that should occasion for arbitration between the two countries which are parties to the treaty arise, the President of the United States will deem himself privileged in being able to respond to the flattering trust reposed in him and as evincing the interests of the people and Government of the United States in all that concerns the welfare of Colombia.
Before bringing this communication to a close it may also be of interest for you to learn that, on the subject of the treaty between Colombia and Chili, an instruction, of similar tenor to the one which has given rise to this communication, has been sent by the honorable Secretary of State at Washington to the minister of the United States at Santiago, who, I have no doubt, will convey to the government of Chili the like sentiments of amity and high appreciation which it has been my pleasant duty to express to you upon the occasion.
I am, &c.,