Rafael Seijas to James F. Wilson, October 12, 1866

Mr. Seijas to Mr. Wilson

Year three of the law, and eighth of the federation.

The undersigned. charged with the ministry of foreign relations of the United States of Venezuela, has had the honor to receive and submit to the consideration of the executive of the nation the note of the minister resident of the United States of America, of yesterday’s date, touching the convention which was signed between both countries on the 26th of last April. Mr. Wilson therein states, that having been approved by the Senate of his country, it received the ratification of the President, which he holds, and asks that a day may be named whereon to exchange such ratification for that of the President, of Venezuela.

This cannot be done yet. Here, by the federal constitution, the executive has not the power to ratify or exchange diplomatic conventions unless they have previously been approved by congress.

For the purpose of asking this (approval) the act in question was submitted to it (congress) on the 27th of April. The debate upon it was commenced in one of the legislative chambers, or, it is thought, it received the first discussion by virtue of a favorable report of the committe on foreign relations.

But as congress adjourned on the 10th of May following there was not time for the convention to obtain in each chamber the three necessary discussions upon it. This being so, the result must be awaited for, in the next session of congress, which will open on the 20th of February 1867.

On his part the executive will contribute to the desired end with new and earnest endeavors, which he hopes will operate on the minds of the legislators. The convention once perfected, there will be no difficulty in acceding to the request of the minister, nor in carrying out its furthest stipulations.

The undersigned takes advantage of this opportunity to renew to Mr. Wilson his distinguished consideration.

God and federation!