723.2515/665a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile ( Shea )

[Paraphrase]

57. The Department has been advised from press reports and from other sources to the effect that Chile plans to force the definite settlement of the Tacna and Arica question at an early date by arbitrary action on her part. Chile, it is rumored, intends to announce that on September 18, the Chilean national holiday, the disputed provinces will be definitely annexed. It is alleged that Chile will have sent a large number of reserve forces to the Peruvian frontier by that time. Please cable full report regarding truth of these rumors.

Colby