723.2515/1659: Telegram
The Ambassador in Peru (Poindexter) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 28—10 a.m.]
75. President Leguía and people of Peru are confident that General Pershing holding deciding vote on the Plebiscitary Commission will proceed to hold the plebiscite under fair conditions, as he has recently set forth, with complete protection of all voters. Suggestion of compromise coming from our Government at this time, either independently or acting as intermediary submitting propositions made by Chile, would be distinct shock to Peru, would be misunderstood, and would cause much resentment. Proper channel for such suggestions seems to be from Edwards to Freyre, between whom, I assume, good personal relations exist. In my opinion there need not be any difficulty in people of the two provinces living under one government justly administered.
The universal interest of the Peruvians in the question is based on principle and sentiment rather than on the intrinsic value of the provinces; and a division of the provinces such as that reported as proposed by Chilean Minister for Foreign Affairs would not solve question, and I do not believe that Peruvian Government would consider it. The Chilean Minister for Foreign Affairs is quoted in Chilean papers as repeating the statement he had made heretofore that article III of Treaty of Ancon was merely intended as a “stipulated cession” of the provinces to Chile. It is this attitude of Chilean Government which is resented in Peru, and which it is believed governs Chile’s attitude towards the plebiscite.
I am of opinion that reports on remarks General Pershing as well as other members of the Commission are alleged to have made, should be received with caution. The award provides that it may be implied that exercise by Chile of legislative, executive, and judicial power should not go to extent of frustrating provision for a plebiscite and that the Plebiscitary Commission have been placed in general in complete control over plebiscite. Should one member of Commission withdraw, award provides for filling the vacancy. Any suggestion from our Government at this time which could be construed as seeking to evade this responsibility practically vested in the President of the United States would greatly injure prestige of our Government in Peru and, I believe, in other countries as well. On the other hand, to adopt such measures as may be necessary to support authority of President of the Commission would greatly enhance prestige of the United States in general everywhere and in particular would bring about lasting settlement of the Tacna-Arica question.