723.2515/776: Telegram
The Ambassador in Chile (Collier) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 15—1 a.m.]
86. I called upon the Minister of Foreign Affairs today at his request, to have him explain the purpose and motive of the Chilean message to Peru. The President of the Republic had desired him to make this explanation. The Chilean note, said the Minister, was sent with friendly feeling and good intent; Chile was prepared to negotiate with Peru and to consider any reasonable modifications in the arrangement proposed for conducting the plebiscite. Chile intended no bellicose action. In view of the fact that diplomatic relations between Peru and Chile are suspended, Chile would be pleased if the United States would convey this information to Peru. The Minister, answering my specific questions, said that I could give you the assurance that there would be no mobilization of Chilean forces [Page 249] even if Peruvians should cross the frontier, provided, of course, that it were not a great organized force. He believed that the police and the constabulary would be able to maintain order. In answer to another inquiry, the Minister also said that I could argue [sic] that he had given me the impression that should Peru insist, Chile might not find it inconvenient to agree that a person appointed by an impartial power should head the commission to supervise the plebiscite, although he was not prepared to make an official declaration binding his Government. As you may wish to give this Embassy and the Embassy in Peru special instructions, I have not repeated this information to Lima.