723.2515/761
The Chilean Ambassador (Mathieu) to the Secretary of State49
undated
[Translation50]
- 1.
- The Government of Chile proposes to extend to that of Peru an invitation to carry out the plebiscite covenanted by the Treaty of Ancón on bases that were already considered as acceptable by both Governments at the last direct negotiation in 1912. Peru, however, may suggest such modifications as it may deem suitable within the [Page 246] principles and precedents established for such proceedings in the Treaty of Versailles.
- 2.
- If no agreement shall be reached, the Government of Chile would agree to leave it with the United States (alone or together with other American governments) to determine the bases it deems equitable.
- 3.
- The Government of the United States would give us, confidentially, previous indication of what, in its judgment, may be the equitable bases applicable to these proceedings.
- 4.
- The Government of Chile will not admit that the question pending with Peru may be put on any other ground than that of the execution of the Treaty of Ancón which, in its article 3, provides for the plebiscite. It could not, therefore, lend itself to any discussion other than that concerning the manner of the plebiscite, the only question pending between the two countries.
- 5.
- Refusal on the part of Peru would place upon that country the responsibility for the infringement of the treaty, and would be taken by Chile as Peru’s relinquishment of any expectation as to the final sovereignty of those provinces held out to both countries by the Treaty of Ancón. Perpetuation of the conditions at present existing would be contrary to the interests of peace, to the progress of these territories, and to the prosperity of their inhabitants.