File No. 722.2315/595.

The Embassy of Brazil to the Department of State.1

[Memorandum—Translation.]

The Peruvian Government, owing to the request of the mediator nations and wishing to avoid every motive that would prevent the solution of the boundary litigation with Ecuador, is disposed to order that the District of Loreto keep in charge in Morona only police agents to protect the civilized inhabitants of that region against the fresh attacks of Indians and to avoid by so doing the reproduction there of the events that took place on the Putumaio. The recall of the troops would not amount to very much if the two countries would not mutually yield in some of their demands. It will be the continuation indefinitely of the status quo which could only create new inconveniences and complications. For that reason the Brazilian Legation at Quito has been instructed to impress upon the Government of Ecuador the importance of it also making some concessions to show a desire to settle this disagreeable question, pointing out the advantage of submitting the question to arbitration, which we always thought the only way to solve it, as it is evident that it is impossible for the two countries to reach a direct agreement. As it is possible that Ecuador will continue to refuse The Hague Tribunal, we suggest the choice of the President of the United States, or, in case he also is rejected, to submit the question to a tribunal that would meet in Washington or some other capital, composed of Peruvian and Ecuadorian judges and presided over by a judge of another nationality, which [sic] could be selected later. This would be the practical way to combine the solution by arbitration, [Page 1155] which is desired by Peru, as well as by direct accord, which Ecuador wishes. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Argentina is in full accord with this plan and finds the idea of a mixed tribunal excellent. It is necessary now to know the opinion of the American Government on the subject so that the combined mutual action of the three mediator nations will be agreed upon in the presentation of the proposal to the two countries in litigation.

  1. Left with the Counselor of the Department of State by the Chargé d’Affaires of Brazil on July 22, 1913.