723.2515/1606: Telegram
The Consul at Arica (Von Tresckow) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 7—11 a.m.]
[From Pershing:] Have just telegraphed Edwards, who is in Santiago until approximately September 14th, as follows:
“American Embassy, Santiago, September 6, 4 p.m. For Mr. Agustín Edwards. Regret to advise you that situation here is becoming intolerable. Civic organizations appear to have taken matters into their own hands. Several Peruvians badly beaten yesterday. Consider it unsafe for Peruvians. Decided hostility to Americans very much in evidence and therefore all American observers withdrawn from activities. Local authorities seem incompetent or unwilling to keep order. Senior member Chilean delegation denies authority in the premises. Request Chilean Government take immediate action before situation gets entirely beyond control.”
I believe that the inflammatory speeches delivered by the Presidents of Chile and Peru since our arrival here partially responsible for the conditions which prevail here and which if continued may render a fair plebiscite impossible. Suggest the advisability of an appeal by the Arbitrator to the two Presidents not only abstain from everything which could increase difficulties of the situation but to lose no opportunity to give calm and pacific counsel to their peoples.
- Pershing
- Von Tresckow