823.73 All America Cables Co./14: Telegram
The Ambassador in Peru (Gonzales) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 1—9:40 a.m.]
20. My 17, March 30, 11 a.m., your March 30, 4 p.m.6 Contract as you understand it is a fact. Understand Sir William Slingo been working on matter since 1919. From time to time past ten months representatives All America Cables Company got me arrange interviews for them with President to discuss matter of operating cable and telegraphs but never laid plans before me. Three days ago when I told them [him] President United States was interested [Page 668] matters affecting wireless’ he stated All America people never had indicated least interest in anything but retaining alive clause in their concession to operate north from Callao and he had twice given extension of time for them to comply, the second extension yet being in force.
I am disposed to believe Mr. Baker, manager cable company here, an Englishman well known to Sir William, has favored contract with British company. President stated today the telegraph and postal service in the country was in such disgraceful condition that change was imperative and it could only come about under direction foreigners and that he would rather have put Americans in control.
- Not printed.↩