No. 93.
Mr. Williamson to Mr. Fish.
Guatemala, October 5, 1874. (Received Nov. 17.)
Sir: I have the honor to report that the prime minister, Mr. Samayoa, some time ago requested me to open a correspondence with our minister at the city of Mexico, in regard to the amicable and speedy settlement of the question of boundary between Mexico and Guatemala. Since that time a minister has been dispatched from Guatemala to Mexico, and since his arrival there I observe one of the Mexican papers, in discussing the question of boundary between the two countries, not only justifies the conduct of Santa Anna in taking possession of Soconusco, many years ago, but claims that all the department of Peten also rightfully belongs to Mexico.
If it be true, as stated in the newspapers, that the Mexican government proposes to make a sale of some of its northern provinces to our Government, may it not be possible that it will seek to allay the irritation [Page 134] of national pride by claiming, and perhaps making, acquisitions in this quarter?
Peten, although a very large department in area, has a small population, and is only valuable for its vast forests of precious woods.
Its natural outlet to the commerce of the world is through the Usamacinta River, which flows for some distance through the Mexican department of Tabasco, and empties itself by various mouths into the Bay of Campeachy.
I have, &c.,