723.2515/817: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Peru ( Sterling )
6. Explanation contained in your 98, January 22, 3 p.m. unsatisfactory. The invitation contained in the Department’s 3, January 13, 4 p.m. which you were assured by the President of Peru would be accepted without qualification, made no mention of an arbitration “adjusted” or “guided” by the United States. The Peruvian government should understand that this particular feature of the negotiations is a matter wholly between the governments of the United States and Peru, and that the point has not been raised by nor discussed in any way with the Government of Chile, which is in no wise involved. If the Peruvian Government had withheld publication of its note until text had been received by the Department the present embarrassment would not exist. The Department, however, does not wish to engage in any controversy on the subject, but, on the contrary, issued the invitation in the utmost spirit of friendliness for both governments and hopes to be able to proceed in the same spirit of friendly assistance. It is clear from your statement that “word ‘adjust’ was adopted as least restrictive of action and initiative of United States” qualifies Peruvian government’s acceptance, and seeks to impose a moral responsibility on the Government of the United States which was not intended and which it cannot assume. The Department believes that the President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru upon further consideration will find it possible to accept the President’s invitation without qualification or restriction, and will not desire to add to the friendly efforts which this Government is making, a responsibility which, as stated, it cannot promise expressly or by implication to assume.
Department relies upon you to make clear to the Peruvian government its friendly attitude and deep interest in a successful and satisfactory issue of these negotiations. It believes that when you have thoroughly explained the embarrassment and difficulty which the reply of Peru in its present form would cause us that they will find [Page 458] a way to remove from their acceptance all qualifications or restrictions upon the freedom of action of this Government and will be content to rely upon our friendly interest in the success of the proposed negotiations.
[Paraphrase.] In the event that the Government of Peru is not prepared to accept the President’s invitation without qualification as promised, and without seeking to impose upon the Government of the United States a moral responsibility in connection with any arbitration which may result, this Government may be forced to withdraw its invitation, which would, of course, necessitate an explanation of its reasons for so doing. The Department has not yet made public the replies of the Chilean and Peruvian Governments. Reply as soon as possible. [End paraphrase.]