Hudson to Thomas H. Nelson, United States, August 31, 1870

A.

Sir: Herewith I inclose a dispatch from the minister of foreign affairs of this republic to the minister of foreign affairs of Mexico on the subject of border difficulties, and which I have been requested to transmit to you for delivery.

I also inclose a statement of the particular acts complained of by this government, made out and furnished by the state department, and from which it will be seen the Mexican officials of the departments of Chiapas and Socomesco are mainly responsible for the unfriendly conduct and hostile acts recited.

I regret to state that my information sustains each allegation as is charged by this government.

The object sought by the Guatemalian government in thus addressing the Mexican government is, to ascertain if their differences cannot be settled by peaceful negotiations, and our friendly offices in that behalf are solicited by this government.

I believe it to be her true policy, and I am fully convinced this government earnestly desires amity with Mexico.

Señor Don Pedro de Aycinena, the secretary for foreign affairs of this republic, assures me his government is entirely willing to submit to friendly arbitration all questions of disagreement, or to settle them by friendly discussion, as Mexico may prefer.

If, then, the Mexican government be equally inclined to peace and friendly disposed, a speedy adjustment can be reached, and, as it is equally important to our Government as to these that their controversy finds a peaceful solution, we should aid in that behalf.

Therefore I beg you to call upon the President of Mexico and his secretary of state, and to urge them to an acceptance of the proposals of this government.

That is certainly the first duty of the Mexican government, and the most politic and certain way to secure undisturbed possession of her own border territory, and the friendship of Guatemala when needed; and, in the constantly changing condition of her own domestic relations, it is not difficult to forsee that the occurrences of a single day may make the friendship of Guatemala of the first importance to Mexico.

But your larger, experience in dealing with these questions will suggest the correct line of conduct, and the arguments most fitting to be urged to gain a favorable hearing and result; therefore I intrust to your better judgment the management of our joint commission.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant.