130 Chapter 2
Participants: 101 Venezuela/210 Netherlands
Outcome (and Settlement): Victory for side A (Imposed)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: This dispute describes the Venezuelan occupation of Aves Island, an
uninhabited island off its coast that is gradually being swallowed by the ocean. Its
ownership was disputed through the 19th century. Venezuela claimed it while Euro-
pean powers, principally the Netherlands, countered with their own claims. Though
small and not suitable for residential development, the island was rich in guano.
Venezuela discovered that an American armed crew had landed at the island to load
up with guano. It countered with a detachment that arrived on December 12, 1854. It
later granted concessions to the guano on Aves to an American firm while simultane-
ously getting protests from other American firms claiming damages. When the Dutch
discovered the occupation, they protested it as a violation of Dutch territory. Their
arrival at La Guaira with an ultimatum started another dispute for Aves (MID#1495)
that was eventually settled by the queen of Spain. The islands were given to Venezuela
with compensation to the Netherlands.
Coding changes: End Date changed from June 13, 1855.
MID#1495
Dispute Number: 1495
Date(s): March 20, 1856
Participants: 210 Netherlands/101 Venezuela
Outcome (and Settlement): Compromise (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Aves Island, an uninhabited island in the Caribbean, has been claimed by
various states since it was founded by European explorers. In 1854, Venezuela made
its claim on the island and began to exercise control. As soon as the Dutch discov-
ered the occupation, the Dutch governor at Curacao protested the violation of Dutch
sovereignty. In March 1856, Dutch vessels arrived at La Guaira with an ultimatum
demanding Dutch control of Aves, adjustment of another claim, and the evacuation of
all Venezuelan troops present. Rather than threaten, Venezuela opted for diplomacy
and signed an agreement with the Netherlands on August 5, 1857, to submit the matter
to arbitration. The Queen of Spain was chosen as an arbitrator and heard the case in
- On June 30, 1865, she decided in favor of Venezuela with the qualification that
Venezuela provide reparations to Dutch subjects if they were barred from fishing at
Aves. Both sides accepted the settlement.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from Missing. End Date changed from Missing.
Outcome changed from Compromise. Settlement changed from Negotiated.
MID#1497
Dispute Number: 1497
Date(s): June 1870 to August 8, 1870
Participants: 101 Venezuela/210 Netherlands
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)