Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-07-09
THE VENEZUELAN BOUNDARY.
What the United States Has Done i'm the
Matter.

The official publication OF the diplomatic cor
respondence in the dispute over the boundary
line between Venezuela and British Guiana
shows some interesting facts hitherto unknown
to the public except as distorted rumors. The
case begins in February, 1890. when Mr. Pc
raza, the Venezuelan minister, represented to
Secretary Blaine that the British government
had forcib'y taken possession of a part of yene-
zuelan Guiana and begged the intervention of
the United States. Secretary Blaine Nav in
structed Minister Lincoln at London to use his
good offices with Lord Salisbury to bring
about resumption of diplomatic inter-
course between Great Britain and Venezuela
as preliminary step toward the settlement of
the boundary dispute by arbitration. He was
requested to propose to Lord Salisbury, with
view to an accommodation that informal
conference be had in Washington or in London
OF representatives, of the three powers In
such conference the position of the United
States to be one solely of impartial friend
ship toward both litgants
Minister Lincoln replied that Lord Salisbury
was doubtful of the stability of the Venezuelan
government. He would consult the colonial
office. From his tone it seemed that the idea
of arbitration in some form to mt an end 10
the boundary dispute was quite agreeable TO
him. Further he wrote Mr.. Lincoln as follows:
The rupture of relations was as YOUR gov
eminent is aware. the &C. of Venezuela. and
her majesty government had, undoubtedly
reason TO complain of the manner in which il
was effected. But they are quite willing to put
this part of the question aside. and their ONLY
desire is that the renewal of friendly intercourse
should be accompanied by arrangements for
the settlement of the several questions at issue.
have stated to Senior Crbaneia the terms on
which her majesty's government consider that
such settlement might be made and are now
awaiting the reply of the Venezuelan govern
meni, to whom he has doubtless communicated
my proposals.
Her majestys government would wish to have
Inc opportunity OF examining that reply and
asce rtalnlnS what prospect it would afford OF an
adjustment OF existing differences before con-
slderlng the expedieney OF having recourse to
the good offices of third party.
may mention that, in so far as regards the
frontier between British Guiana and Vene-
Zueia, have informed Senior Urbaneja OF the
Willingness of her majesty's government to
abandon certain portions of the claim. which
they believe themselves in strict right TO make
and to submit other portions 20 arbitration.
reservIng only that territory Is to which they
believe their rights admit of no reasonable
doubt.
II this offer is met by the Venezuelan gov
eminent III a corresponding spirit there should
be no lnsuperable difficulty in arriving at a
solution. But public opinion is unfortunately
much excited on the subject in Venezuela and
the Facts OF the case are strangely misunder-
stood.
June %. 1890, Mr.. Lincoln presented to Lord
Senior PulIdo. the special yenezue-
Ian enjoy. who was courteously received and
there The cOrraSDonlepca aD1S