The governor's anger over Hector was strong enough that he privately gave Hillyar permission to enter the harbor and destroy Essex. That offer would have made an immediate tactical victory much easier. Hillyar declined because Britain benefited more from being seen to respect neutral rights than from exploiting one governor's temporary permission. His choice placed national strategy above an easy chance for personal glory. Waiting outside the harbor preserved British diplomatic credibility without sacrificing control of the situation.
Notable Point · 1:58:26-1:59:51
Hillyar refuses permission to attack inside Valparaíso
Even after the Chilean governor offered to ignore a British attack on Essex inside the harbor, Hillyar judged that violating neutrality would damage wider British interests.