710.E/161: Telegram
The Chargé in Peru ( Sterling ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:30 p.m.]
2. Department’s number 1, January 12, 6 p.m. Yesterday I had a long conversation with the President and Minister of Foreign Affairs together. I set forth the Department’s attitude fully and asked for their views with regard to Peru’s attendance at the Santiago Conference. …
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My argument has evidently impressed both the President and the Minister. The President stated emphatically that if some honorable way could be found, he heartily wished Peru to attend; for example, if the Chilean Ambassador would give you assurances (for the Peruvian Government could take no assurances from Chile directly) that acts of violence had ceased and that they would not be repeated; or if the Government of Chile should order a judicial investigation and the criminals were punished, he would consider an acceptance very seriously. In that case he hinted that even the deportation of Peruvians from the occupied Provinces which have taken place since the protocol19 was signed, would be overlooked. All that is necessary is a plausible reason which will satisfy the public.