James A. Williamson to His Excellency, April 24, 1877

No. 48. Mr. Williamson to Mr. Evarts.

Sir: I have the honor to inclose you copies and a translation of notes exchanged with the minister of foreign affairs of Guatemala, in respect to a difference between an item in the general postage regulations lately issued by the government of this country, and the postal convention of 1862 between the United States and Guatemala.

To-day, during a call at the government house, (here called palace,) I showed the minister who has charge over the post-office department the item in which said postal regulations violated the convention. The item of difference which gave rise to the correspondence consisted in the government of Guatemala, in a recent decree, fixing the postage on letters to the United States weighing a half ounce at 4 reals instead of 2 reals. He said readily that the correction would be made as soon as the President returns.

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The minister in the course of conversation spoke of a new postal convention between the two countries for the purpose of reducing the rates. I told him it seemed desirable, and that I would refer the matter to you for instructions after conference with the Postmaster-General.

I have the honor, &c.,