721.2315/1394/5

Memorandum by the Secretary of State of a Conversation with the Peruvian Ambassador (Velarde), December 12, 1924, 3 p.m.

The Ambassador said that a difficulty had arisen with respect to this boundary. Peru and Colombia had made a treaty in 1922 fixing the boundary but Brazil had taken exception to this treaty upon the ground that it affected her rights. Peru was very desirous that the whole matter should be harmoniously adjusted and knowing the wish of the Government of the United States to do all in its power to promote friendly relations in Latin America, the Ambassador asked if the Secretary would look into the question and see if some suggestion could be made which would provide an harmonious solution.

The Secretary said that he greatly appreciated the Ambassador’s suggestion; that the Government of the United States did not desire to intrude in matters in which it was not concerned, but that the Government was always desirous to aid by its friendly offices in the settlement of differences when other Governments so desired. The Secretary said he would be glad to look into the matter with which he was already to some extent conversant, and that within a short time he would ask the Ambassador to come in and talk it over. The Ambassador expressed his appreciation.