723.2515/333: Telegram

The Minister in Peru (McMillin) to the Secretary of State

Minister for Foreign Affairs informed me 8.30 last night of a telegram from Peruvian Consul Iquique on board steamship Palena stating that [Chileans of] Iquique committed grave outrages against the property of Peruvian residents and Peruvian banking and commercial houses. While Peruvian Consul Llosa was going to the Intendencia to enter formal protest against outrages, he was forcibly taken by disturbers to the steamship Palena and ordered to stay there. The authorities who were present during the affair did not interfere with action of masses. After the consul was placed on board, he was detained by detachment of soldiers under the command of Lieutenant Meza of the Grenadiers and received notice from the Maritime Governor not to attempt to disembark.

In view of this action, Peruvian Government 1.30 this morning sent instructions to all Peruvian consular officers in Chile to leave immediately for Peru.

McMillin