Victor Guardia to the other Governments of Central America, March 26, 1883

Circular to the other Governments of Central America.

The Minister of Foreign Relations of ———:

Sir: Discussion having been provoked concerning the invitation of the Governments of Guatemala and Salvador for the reorganization of the union of the five Republics into which Central America is at present divided, that of Costa Rica has been convinced that it was a faithful interpreter of public opinion in assuring them, by the dispatch of this department, dated the 19th of February ultimo, of its vehement desire for the re-establishment of an institution which, without any doubt whatever, is called to change the destinies of these peoples, offering them a life to which, disorganized as they are, they cannot aspire.

But at the same time it has been convinced also that any step directed toward the satisfaction of those aspirations, even the least significant of them as that of sending delegates to discuss the bases of reorganization, requires to be meditated on with the calmness and prudence demanded by affairs of such consideration and of such grave consequences.

On this account, without modifying the terms of the dispatch before alluded to, nor absolutely revoking the promise to send delegates to the place which has been designated, my Government esteems it prudent, and hopes that that of your excellency will not take it amiss to defer the execution of its proposal until the opinion of the people over whose destinies it rules, having been better informed, shall be pronounced with greater vigor, not on the matter of the initiative, concerning which it is not possible to entertain any doubt whatever, but rather concerning the opportunity of the carrying it into effect, considering the serious fears and disconfidence manifested by the press in several of the states, which discover an antagonism, a struggle being prepared, into which it is not disposed to enter, since it only accepts means peaceful and recognized by all for the realization of such an important work.

For the same reason that my Government wishes to arrive at practical and secure results it desires to avoid all haste, all collision which might be caused by lamentable reminiscences left by the extinguished federalism in the spirit of the Central Americans, and not to act except in perfect agreement with well-pronounced public opinion.

These are the sentiments of the Costa Rican people and Government, which I hasten to communicate to that of your excellency through your honorable means; and on fulfilling my charge, I improve, &c.

[From the inability of the secretary of the department, that of government],