723.2515/1053: Telegram
The Ambassador in Chile (Collier) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 16—10:10 a.m.]
73. In a private conference with President Alessandri and Señor Aldunate both have just asked that I urge you secure from Peru extension of time in which to exchange ratification[s].36 I hope this part of this cable will be shown you before Mathieu calls on you Monday morning. Both the men mentioned say Senate tomorrow will, by a vote of 16 to 14, approve protocol with some reservations but that Chamber of Deputies will begin consideration Monday immediately after Senate votes. Discussion there can be limited but opponent[s] can probably, under rules, use up 10 or 12 days. On account of length of voyage I think at least 40 days from this date must elapse before instrument of ratification could reach Washington and 50 may be necessary depending on sailing [of] vessels. I strongly urge all influence be used to secure extension upon express understanding that instrument is to be sent so as to reach Washington on or before postponed date. The latter37 claims that he and Porras had a sort of gentleman’s agreement to extend time if necessary. I refer to my two telegrams sent to you at Rio de Janeiro38 for reasons upon which extension can be granted. I favor it now [Page 513] although I opposed it at that time. Both the men mentioned herein say that this extension should be received before present period expires otherwise opponents of protocol will claim on October 20th that Congress has nothing before it upon which to act and will force abandonment of measure. …