823.51/179: Telegram
The Ambassador in Peru (Gonzales) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 8—12:11a.m.]
45. Foundation Company of New York informs President of Peru group of bankers prepared finance contract that company and other requirements provided Peruvian Government agrees appoint as administrator of customs the nominee for such post by State Department.
President Leguia asks me inform Department he accepts condition but desires administrator to be nominated immediately so that he may be functioning in office before loan is made and not appear connected with it. This will obviate wounding sensibilities of those who, whether for political reasons or otherwise, may be sensitive about sovereignty. Then when the loan is being arranged it can be conditioned upon such administrator or his successors, nominated by the Department, remaining in office until the debt is discharged.
The President expresses his fullest confidence in the Department’s choice and says the powers of such administrator may be made far-reaching.
Please refer my despatch number 634, May 16, 1921.1
- Not printed.↩