An item reported that general Zabala had returned to Madrid with the order to prepare the sending of reinforcements to the fleet in the Chilean waters. Peru broke all relations with Spain and choose the side of Chile and forbade some vessels to leave Callao while these were suspected of being active for the Spanish fleet. On 2 January was the crew of the Spanish transport Salvador Vida taken prisoner of war by Chile.(1)
Note
1. Between 1864 and 1866 were Spain, Peru and Chile (the later two former Spanish colonies) involved in the Chincha Islands War caused by the seizure of the guano-rich Chincha Islands. In fact Spain wanted to restore her influence in South America. When the war (officially) broke out between Peru and Spain on 14 January 1866 choose Bolivia and Ecuador the side of Peru.
Note
1. Between 1864 and 1866 were Spain, Peru and Chile (the later two former Spanish colonies) involved in the Chincha Islands War caused by the seizure of the guano-rich Chincha Islands. In fact Spain wanted to restore her influence in South America. When the war (officially) broke out between Peru and Spain on 14 January 1866 choose Bolivia and Ecuador the side of Peru.
