Ultimately, all the attempts at mediation failed, as the chief condition of Admiral Méndez Núñez was the proper salute to the Spanish flag, the return by the Chileans of the captured Schooner Covadonga and the immediate payment of a crippling indemnity. The talks broke over the matter of the flag salute.
Ultimately, all attempts at mediation failed because Admiral Méndez Núñez demanded a proper salute to the Spanish flag, the return of the captured Schooner Covadonga, and immediate payment of a substantial compensation. The talks broke down over the issue of the flag salute.