723.2515/460: Telegram
The Commission to Negotiate Peace to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 11.47 p.m.]
1166. Your 977, March 5, 4 p.m. Concur in view that conclusion number 2 is best course to pursue. Feel that United States should approach France and Great Britain and suggest a triplicate [tripartite] arbitration with United States. Arbitration to be held in Paris after conclusion of peace, prompted by the three powers to form an international arbitration commission, either as body organized by Peace Conference to settle such disputes or formed without reference to Peace Conference.
The United States [omission] to Chile and Peru and ask them to submit their cases to arbitration by such body. In this way United States could take initiative and would also share any responsibility with France, which country is held in high regard by Peru, and with England, for which strong sympathy exists in Chile.
Stabler has sent private cable to Bobbins to endeavor to obtain an intimation from Edwards as to attitude Chilean Government should suggestion along above lines be made.
Stabler is led to believe from his conversations with Garcia Calderon, Peruvian delegate to Peace Conference, that arbitration by such a commission would be satisfactory to Government of Peru.
The question as to what matters would be placed before arbitrators is also of great importance and it might be desirable to find out from Chilean Ambassador and Peruvian Minister, Washington, what each has in mind in this connection. Lansing.