823.73 All America Cables Co./17: Telegram
The Ambassador in Peru ( Gonzales ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:58 p.m.]
23. Your April 4, 6 p.m. Saw President today, said he had already cabled full statement to Ambassador in Washington. Stated he would withhold signature for time but had incurred moral obligations to Marconi people and if a strong American company could give him grounds for changing plans already perfected it must act promptly. His preference for United States companies was so strong that he would strain points to have them operate in everything but he had to consider interests of country and while operation of the land telegraph and postal business by outsiders was imperative the agent of All America Cables Company had told him some time ago his company could not undertake such operation.
Doubtless the Marconi Company would not have interest in operating the land wires and postoffice without the wireless, therefore an offer by Americans to have force should include the three.