Hall to Frelinghuysen, October 1, 1884

No. 29. Mr. Hall to Mr. Frelinghuysen.

Sir: With reference to my dispatch No. 241, of the 25th July, relating to the two decrees of the Costa Rican Government of the 22d May, 1883, and 19th of June, 1884, the former making Limon a free port for ten years and the latter revoking the law, I have now to acknowledge the receipt of your instruction No. 170, of the 20th August, relating to the same subject and approving my action in protesting against the apparently inconsiderate action of the Costa Rican Government. * * *

In his letter of the 1st of August, Mr. Morrell reports having transmitted to the minister of foreign affairs the protest of Mr. A. K. Brown against the detention by the custom-house at Limon of goods imported under the decree of 22d May, 1883. The consul reports also that his communication was not answered, but the goods of the party were released immediately and no duties charged.

Under date of the 29th August, Minister Castro replies to my note of the 25th July (of which a copy accompanies my No. 241), wherein I asked that a reasonable time be granted the interested parties before enforcing the last-mentioned decree. He alleges the reasons why my suggestions cannot be acceded to, and claims the right of his Government to revoke it at any time, that the period of ten years had for its object to fix its maximum duration, and in no way obligated the Government to maintain a free port at Limon during a whole decade. I have replied to the minister, under date of the 22d ultimo, insisting that the parties whose interests have been injured by this action of the Costa Rican Government have the same right to consider the period stipulated in the decree of 22d May, 1883, as fixing its minimum duration, and, in consonance with your instructions above referred to, I have informed the minister that the right is claimed for our citizens to be fully indemnified for all losses sustained in consequence of the revocation, without notice, of the last-mentioned decree.

I have, &c.,