Thomas O. Osborn to Blaine, April 6, 1881

No. 95. Mr. Osborn to Mr. Blaine.

Sir: The representatives here of Great Britian, France, and Italy, acting jointly under instructions, have tendered the mediation of their respective governments, with a view of putting an end to the war, but this government has deemed it advisable to decline their offer.

I conclude that the agents of the European powers were not dissatisfied with the answer which they received. They probably regard the present unsettled state of affairs in Peru as presenting a serious obstacle to negotiations, and are, I judge, not disappointed that they should be excused, by the action of this government, from entering upon the performance of a work which would seem to have so little promise of a happy result.

I have, &c.,