Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1894

Mr. Bayard to Mr. Gresham.

Embassy of the United States,
London, December 22, 1894.

Sir: As related to affairs in Nicaragua, I have now the honor to inclose herewith a copy of the telegram (translated) which I received from you on the 17th instant,¹ and also a copy of your subsequent telegram of the 20th instant,² and of my telegraphic reply of the same date.²

I have also the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a personal note from me to the Earl of Kimberley, dated the 20th instant, and his lordship’s reply thereto, dated the 21st.

The purport of the statements at the foreign office is an emphatic denial of all reports or rumors indicating any intention or disposition on the part of the British Government to mingle in the local political struggles and disorders in Nicaragua and the province of Mosquito.

As I have heretofore stated in this connection, the “formal incorporation” of the inhabitants of the Mosquito region with the rest of Nicaragua is the best and most complete solution of all doubt or qualification respecting the full sovereignty of Nicaragua over the entire coast, causing the treaty of Managua to become un fait accompli, and the Austrian award and interpretation of that instrument a superfluous and negligible quantity.

There was the most open expression of satisfaction at the foreign office upon the reported voluntary incorporation of the Indians with the rest of Nicaragua, for it was a consummation devoutly to be wished, and they were glad to be free from the subject.

In my last telegram I referred to the obvious attempts, by sensational reports, to create mischievous misunderstandings between the two Governments, and my statement was founded upon the telegraphic accounts which find their way into the newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic.

* * * * * * *

I have the honor to be, etc.,

T. F. Bayard.

[Inclosure 1.—Personal.]

December 20, 1894.

Dear Lord Kimberley: But for the announcement in the newspapers of your absence from town for the holidays I should come this morning to show you a telegram I received just now from Secretary Gresham, stating that the commander of U. S. S. Columbia had telegraphed from Jamaica that he had there been informed that “Clarence,” the titular head of the Mosquito tribe, had been notified to hold himself in readiness to be returned to Bluefields, and that recognition of Nicaraguan order, and the late action of the inhabitants of the Mosquito region incorporating themselves with the rest of Nicaragua, was refused by the British authorities or those representing them.

I need hardly say that Mr. Gresham naturally discredits such reports; but I would be glad to have a word from you to set them at rest authoritatively.

Believe me, etc.,

T. F. Bayard.

[Inclosure 2.]

Kimberley House, December 21, 1894.

Dear Mr. Bayard: Mr. Bertie informs me that he gave Mr. Wells, who brought your letter of yesterday to him, an answer as to the matter referred to in it.

I am very glad that you enabled us to contradict the reports in question, which have no foundation whatever.

Believe me, sincerely yours,

Kimberley.

1. See page 358.
2. See page 359.
2. See page 359.