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have not presented a single complaint nor indicated any repugnance to continue attached to the Mexican Republic.
17. Respecting the public lands, the claim of Guatemala is entirely inadmissible, since she has no rights whatever upon the territory of Chiapas.
18. The debt of Chiapas is included in that of Mexico, which is consequently not responsible for it to Guatemala; from whom she might, on the contrary, more properly demand a certain amount, as the difference between that debt and the general one of Central America.
19. The delays of so many years in the settlement of this question are due to Guatemala, who has always opposed the tracing of limits, which has continually been urged by the Government of Mexico.
The facts being thus cleared up, and the right of Mexico to Chiapas and Soconusco being solidly established, I proceed to treat of the question concerning the adjustment of limits between the frontier states of both republics, in order to terminate, in a practical manner, this prolonged subject of controversy.
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I renew to Your Excellency my very distinguished consideration.
(Signed)J. M. LAFRAGUA.
To His Excellency Mr. Ramon Uriarte, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Guatemala.[1]
<references>
- ↑ This dispatch has not been answered by Guatemala.
