Rafael Zaldivar to Henry C. Hall and others of the diplomatic corps in Central America, April 10, 1885

President Zaldivar to Henry C. Hall and others of the diplomatic corps in Central America.

By your excellency’s telegram of yesterday, just received, in answer to mine of the 4th instant, I notice with regret that my refusal to concede an armistice for one month is taken as a non-acceptance of an honorable means of terminating the difficulties pending with Guatemala, through negotiations for peace. Correcting this misunderstanding, I have the pleasure to make known to you that nothing would have been more grateful to me than to make use of the friendly mediation of the diplomatic corps for effecting peace under honorable conditions, and my reason for declining with regret the armistice solicited was because in making that request nothing was suggested that would lead to the desired object; on the contrary, the probabilities were augmented that the strife would continue with more violence, and the one month’s truce would afford the Government of Guatemala an opportunity to reorganize its forces. I confirm to the honorable diplomatic corps the favorable disposition that from the first I have met with to settle peacefully and honorably the difficulties pending with Guatemala, of which are an evident proof the steps that I took at the commencement to induce General Barrios to desist from his purpose; my attitude, purely defensive, under the promise of the American minister; and, finally, the fact that all the battles have taken place in Salvadorian territory in just defense of the rights of the Republic.

Your excellencies therefore know that I have not refused, nor do I refuse, any proposition that may lead to a definite and permanent peace—much less when coming through the friendly and respectable medium of the honorable diplomatic body.

I am, &c.,