The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1825-07-18 00:00:00

FRANCE AND COLOMBLI.

The following letter from the Colombian Secraary or
State, Senor Gual, to the French Admiral Jurien, respect-
ing the naval questions in dispute between the offi:vra of
the two Powers, is extracted from the official part of ti,e
Goceta de Colombia. The firmness and temper oi -the
Colombian Minister are conspicuous. The fullest disposi-
tion to avoid any just ground of hostility is manifested on
the part of the new Republic, while its belligerent right,
are at the same time boldly sucerted. The irregular and
offensive mode in which the demand of Captain Dapotat
was preferred rill, we have no doubt, be satisfactorily ex-
plained by the French government, who certainly cannot
view his conduct with approbation. Senor Gual takes ad-
vantage of the occasion to point out with great force the
advantages that would accrue to both nations from the
ie.itliince of diplomatic agents in•their capitals. It is not
improbable that this corrtspondence may have) the dile
of accelerating the decision of the French government with
respect to the recognition Cf the New American States.

The Secretary of State for the Foreign Affairs of Colombia.
Government palace. to the Capital, Bogota,
7. March. 1023.
To his Excellency tear-Admiral Jorien. commander of au
Naval Forces of his Most Christian 31ajesty, in the ‘i sat
&c. &c.

Stn,—By the Commaneant-Beneral of the &coed Department
of the marine of the Republic Colombia, I have received a sin.
munication,dsted from Fort Royal, in Martinico, IL Dec. last., con-
cerning an insult alleged to have been offered to a sloop of WV be.
longing to his Most iChristian Majesty. by the Colombian cor-
vette, the Venezula, off Portobello, obliging a French (Affect to
come on board nis vessel, and threatening to fire upoa his ship. if
the orders *ere not promptly obeyed. Bating, inintediate:y, In tl
the whole before the Government, I find myself authorised to in..
form your Excellency, 01'm immediately tins e►ent was known
through a Foreign Journal, orders were expedited, dated .711th Feb.
last to Carthargens, whi-e the Venesnla happened to be, calling
open her Captain en give some reason for having tined in the man.
nor attributed to him. 1 hope your Excellency will see, in the art-
ticlpation with which the Government of Colombia took into con-
sideration this disgraceful business, a convincing proof of its good
diToaition to the French nation, and its desire to do away, on her
part, with every Cause of disagreeable. But as justice requires
that the commander of ibe Venesula, who is accused, should be
heard, it is indespensable to examine into his explanations. to
order that I may be able to send ycut• Excellency satisfactory
mat ion.

„.„.......
In the meantime penult me, your Excellency, to express how
much my Government desire that any claims of common interest to
both countries should come directly through the Secretary tot
Foreign Affairs. Your Excellency will always .find. the Govern-
*vet of Colombia disposed to accommodation, in so far as may
be compatible with the rights and dignity of the nation over which
it presides. I well know the interruptions, delays, and inconre.
riCICC3 to which a correspondence carried on at so great a distance
is exposed for want of those regular diplomatic relations which
Colombia so ardently desires to establish with the French nation.
But since it is not in the rower of my government to put an end to
the anomaly of our political situation with regard to Frame, it
might be, perhaps, possible for your Excellency to send to tile
capital a confidential agent, with whom might rally be arranged
whatever cause of private difference might ante for the fowls. In
which case, I can assure your Excellency that the said agent shall
meet in this capital a ratisfactory and agreeable reeeptirn.
This Laturally leads me to speak of a claim which lies just been
made in a threatening tone at Puerto Cabello by Captain Dttpcte,
of the royal navy, in favour of the French ship Urania, from Bor-
deaux, by way of the Havannsh, whic't was condemned for having
Spanish property on board. All the foundation for this claim rests
in the private opinion of Captain Dupotet, that a free Beg makes
free merchandise. This is nor, however, the doctrine of the Go-
retnment of Colombia, ncr of any European American Pews:
which has been engaged in a war without having conventional obli.
gallons of a different nature With the other. How can titis question
be discussed between a Captain of a man-of.war anti the General
Commandant of Marine at Puerto Cabello y All these irregule.
titles would totally disappear from the presence.in this capital of a
Diplomatic Agent of his Most Christean Majesty, or at least par.
Bally from that of one from your Excellency, when particular
0525 come underdiscussion. So that, Sir, the intimate relations
and bonds which the Colombian Government desire to cultivate
with that of his Most Christian Majesty, should each time be in.
creased more and more, and the best harmony and inalterable
friendship should reign for ever between the two powers.
I pray your Excellency to have the goodness to accept the at.
surances of consideration and respect with which
I have the honour to remain,
Your Excellency's most humble and obedient servant,
(Signed) PEDRO OVAL.