723.2515/1700: Telegram
The Ambassador in Chile (Collier) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 30—9:25 a.m.]
123. Powerful influences outside the Government are working to obtain diplomatic settlement of the Tacna-Arica question on basis of division of territory or even of sale by both Chile and Peru to Bolivia of all their rights in the province, in hope that large sum will be paid which it is believed that the United States might be disposed to lend to Bolivia. It is rumored that President-elect of Chile favors this solution. I have stated that the Government of the United States has only one thought, namely, the discharge of duty it has assumed at request of both Chile and Peru to preside over absolutely impartial plebiscite. I have given no encouragement to idea of any other mode of settlement, but I report, for your information, that it is my belief that the two peoples can never live in harmony except by cession to Bolivia or by division of the territory. …
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