File No. 763.72/3838
The Minister in Peru ( McMillin) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4.30 p.m.]
Department’s circular 6th. The response of Peruvian Minister for Foreign Affairs to Department’s April 6, though dated the 11th, was not delivered until night of the 12th. It is as follows:
Lima, April 11, 1917.
Mr. Minister: I have had the honor to receive the important communication of the 7th instant, which by instructions of your Government you have been good enough to send me for the purpose of informing that of Peru that the day before the American Congress declared and the President, Mr. Wilson, proclaimed that the state of war exists between the United States and the Imperial German Government.
In answer, it is just to myself to express to your excellency that my Government deplores that that of the United States of America has seen itself obliged to adopt the extreme resolution of which your excellency has deigned to notify me, in defense of its vital interests and of incontrovertible principles of international law.
With our intense desires for the prompt termination of the enormous conflagration at which we are present, allow me renew to you, Mr. Minister, the assurances [etc.]
E. de La Riva Aguero