723.2515/534: Telegram
The Chargé in Peru (Smith) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 27 (?), 9.01 a.m.]
Strictly confidential. President informed me this morning he had given instructions to his army chiefs to make no troop transfers [Page 163] or movements that could in any way be interpreted as a mobilization or an aggressive movement towards frontier. He stated he was convinced from best information received that Chile was attempting to provoke Peru into some act which would give excuse for some aggressive movement upon the part of Chile. He emphasized the fact that Peru will do absolutely nothing that could in any way at the present time come between the two countries. He reiterated the hope that the Pacific question would soon be settled by arbitration.