862.85/1234: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Wallace) to the Secretary of State
Paris, September
21, 1920—6 p.m.
[Received 7:12 p.m.]
[Received 7:12 p.m.]
1736. B–261. For the Department and Davis. Reference your B–111 our B–248.43
- 1st.
- Following from Greene in London: “No new information available from Peruvian experts. Peru has no losses for which ton for ton reparation can be given. Therefore good Peruvian title to ship depends on proper government action in detaining the ship or putting into effect Wilson–Lloyd George Agreement with Peru a party to same. I personally believe Peru will eventually get the ship. This is also British opinion but is not based on fact.”
- 2d.
- For your information. There are indications that British and probably others have given up hope of ever taking over German steamers seized by various South American powers. Believe they are resigned these countries holding what they have and eventually establishing ownership one way or another. They expect however compensation for excess over losses by some scheme following Wilson–Lloyd George Agreement. This view is not based upon any definite admission or statement but comes from casual conversations and observation of day to day developments.
- 3d.
- In any case position of South American countries with regard to ownership probably not definitely established until possibilities under Wilson–Lloyd George Agreement made clear following our action on that document. Meantime there has always been objection any assumption ownership or right of sale by any South American country until cases are finally decided.
- 4th.
- Foregoing gives you all facts at our disposal. … Boyden.
Wallace
- Not printed; see telegram of Aug. 27, supra.↩