Fernando Cruz to Hall, March 25, 1885

Señor Cruz to Mr. Hall.

Mr. Minister: The Government having had information that various interpretations have been given to article 9 of the decree of the 28th of February last, in which reference is made to negotiations concerning territory, international treaties, and national loans or foreign such, it has been considered indispensable to explain the sole sense of the referred to article; and with this view I have received special and decisive instructions from the President to accomplish it, in his name and in that of the Government, in the terms which I am about to have the honor of submitting to you.

In the first place, the article mentioned has not affected nor affects in any way any treaty signed before the 28th of February, 1885, by Guatemala or by any other of the states of Central America with any other nation, because it expressly refers to those concluded, that is, signed after that date, and in no case to those already existing or signed before.

Secondly. Even the declaration that those signed after the 28th of February would not be recognized was with the supposition that the Union was going to be accepted at once, as was to be supposed by the manifestations of public opinion, and on account of the promises made beforehand, among others, by the ruler of Salvador; and always, without a greater range than that of including the states which adhered immediately to the proclamation of the union which has been made.

In conformity with that which I have explained, and there being delay on account of the failure of the ruler of Salvador to carry out his promises in the immediate adhesion which was expected, I have already had the honor to inform those diplomatic representatives who have made any inquiry on this subject—and it is a pleasure to me to confirm it now—that no objection can be made by Guatemala nor will be made in any case, and even less so after the accomplishment of the union, to any treaty made between the nations they represent and Guatemala or another of the states of Central America, even if it should be signed after the date of the decrees.

In virtue of that which is just expressed, article 9 of the decree of the 28th of February last includes solely and exclusively the negotiations which are expressed in it, that are made by any of the states which adhere to the proclamation of the union of; Central America, after the date of their adhesion, and without the consent of the others which are already in it.

I beg of you to be pleased to take note of this declaration, which explains officially what is the sense of the referred-to article; and that should you deem it well, you will bring it to the notice of your Government in whatever form you may think proper.

I am, &c.,