File No. 723.2515/277.
The Secretary of State to the American Minister to Peru.
Washington, November 30, 1912.
Your telegram November 27, stating President Billinghurst requests an expression of the opinion of the Department regarding terms of Tacna-Arica settlement for use with the Peruvian Congress. Obviously Department can not place itself in a position appearing” to influence such legislation or the will of the parties in a matter of such great national importance even if it had knowledge of the terms of the arrangement. Bearing this in mind the Legation may, however, say to President Billinghurst that this Government rejoices, to learn that Chile and Peru are about to reach an agreement looking to the resumption of diplomatic relations and the final settlement of the Tacna-Arica question, the consummation of which is so full of promise for the future welfare of both countries.