No. 169.
Mr. Frelinghuysen to Señor Montúfar.

Sir: The historical statements in your letter of the 15th of June, reply to mine of the 5th of June, in relation to the efforts of the Government of the United States to bring about a good understanding between Guatemala and Mexico, touching the boundary dispute between them, have been read with much interest. I permit myself to say, however, that they scarcely seem to touch the only questions which Mr. Mariscal’s observations left open for the President’s consideration.

If Mexico were willing to accept the terms and conditions of arbitration offered by you on behalf of Guatemala, the President would be much pleased to act as the umpire between the two governments.

On the other hand, if Guatemala is willing to accept the terms and conditions named by Mr. Romero, and desires that the President should act as such umpire, the President is willing to do so.

But if the parties desire the President in any contingency to act as umpire, it is manifestly improper for him to consider and express an opinion in advance in favor of either party upon the merits of the case, or upon the scope of the subject to be submitted.

It will, therefore, be perceived that without a more definite statement as to the wishes of your Government on the latter point, the President is unable to act with a reasonable certainty that he is carrying out those wishes.

Accept, &c.,

FRED’K T. FRELINGHUYSEN.