Anglo-Venezuelan boundary arbitration concludes in Paris, October 1899

Background. The dispute arose from longstanding tensions between Venezuela and British Guiana. Venezuela appealed to the United States in 1894, citing the Monroe Doctrine. The United Kingdom agreed to international arbitration via the 1897 Treaty of Washington, signed on 2 February 1897, following threats of potential US intervention.

Tribunal Composition. In April 1899, rival claims were presented in Paris to a tribunal of five arbitrators. The panel included two from Britain, two from the US representing Venezuela's interest, and one from Russia presumed neutral. Benjamin Harrison, former US President, served as an attorney for the Republic of Venezuela in the boundary dispute (1898–1899).

Award Terms. The tribunal ruled largely in favor of Britain on 3 October 1899. Territory based on the award is controlled by Guyana today, excluding the Venezuelan-controlled Ankoko Island. Severo Mallet-Prevost later surmised that the Russian chair, Friedrich Martens, had visited Britain with the two British arbitrators in the summer of 1899 and offered the American judges a choice between a unanimous award or a 3 to 2 majority opinion even more favorable to the British.

Immediate Reaction. Venezuela showed almost immediate disapproval with the 1899 Arbitral Award. As early as 7 October 1899, Venezuela voiced its condemnation, demanding the renegotiation of her eastern border with British Guiana. Venezuelan Foreign Minister José Andrade stated that the Arbitral Award was the product of political collusion.