723.2515/1663: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Arica (Von Tresckow)
For Pershing: Your telegram October 29, 8 p.m. See my telegram of Oct. 29, 5 p.m. The following has just been received from Ambassador Collier dated October 30, 1 p.m.:
This morning Minister for Foreign Affairs informed me that Chilean Cabinet yesterday decided to make every sacrifice necessary [Page 409] to avoid rupture of plebiscite; that wide divergence of views exists between Edwards and Government; that Edwards will be summoned to Santiago at once; and that if he does not then agree with Government’s policy he will be replaced. Minister also informed me that, as General Pershing had expressed opinion that Chile ought to have no officer in province of higher rank than colonel, present commanding officer would be called to Santiago very soon and would not be sent back to Tacna. Minister also said that present intendente would probably be replaced this coming week and would probably be succeeded by former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jorge Matte. The Minister strongly requests that you instruct General Pershing to postpone action on proposed resolutions for week or so until Government of Chile can carry out foregoing program. In deference to difficult situation of Government here and its manifest desire to carry the award into effect honorably, and also in view of its difficulties with jingoistic element and with extreme national sentiment of population of Arica, I sincerely hope that you can grant Minister’s request.
Today at noon I replied to Collier that you are on ground with full knowledge of local conditions and with authority to carry out fair and free election as provided in award; that you possess my full confidence and that of Arbitrator; that it is impossible under the circumstances for me to give you instructions and directions about details of manner in which award is to be carried out; and that I will transmit for your information and careful consideration the request of Chilean Minister for Foreign Affairs.