723.2515/1682a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Arica (Von Tresckow)
For Pershing: Reference … my telegram October 31, 2 p.m., to you, Collier, and Poindexter outlining policy of this Government on question of good offices in settling Tacna-Arica controversy. …
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… On October 27 Poindexter telegraphed as follows:
[Here follows text of Ambassador Poindexter’s telegram No. 75, printed on page 404.]
I do not wish to change attitude of this Government as set forth to Collier and Poindexter in my telegram of October 31 which was that I am not in position to offer good offices; and I entirely approve your attitude in not opening negotiations with the Peruvian Commissioner, more particularly as Chile’s memorandum states that she is not willing to have proposition made as coming from her. Do you think there is any way whereby you can ascertain what Peru’s attitude would be, without compromising us or making suggestions as coming from you or me? I am sending this because Chile’s second proposition, which is evidently authentic, is more specific and flexible than was the first. Of course I shall discuss entire matter with you when [Page 415] you come to Washington.74 Inform me before your departure is made public, so that it can be announced simultaneously in both places and can be specifically stated to press that you are merely coming for short time on leave because of private business, or something of that nature. I should also like your suggestions on public statement; the press will be very inquisitive.
- General Pershing had informed the Secretary that ill health made it desirable that he return temporarily to the United States for medical treatment. On Dec. 29, 1925, he announced his intended departure from Arica, and sailed from that port on Jan. 27, 1926.↩