723.2515/1972: Telegram
The Ambassador in Peru (Poindexter) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 27—9:15 a.m.]
16. Received the following at 8:10 this evening from the President in writing:
“Memorandum by the President of Peru. The Government of Peru is thankful to the Government of the United States for the new offer of its good offices in an endeavor to arrive at a friendly adjustment with Chile, concerning the Provinces of Tacna and Arica, but cannot help thinking that no safer means of accomplishing such a purpose could, at the present time, be found than by faithfully carrying out the plebiscite under the guarantees provided for in the award, and which, although not yet accorded to it, the American Plebiscitary Commission has repeatedly asked for from Chile.
The Government of Peru would, however, be pleased to attempt any adjustment other than by the celebration of a plebiscite, provided that the United States be party to it and as such sign the agreement that might be arrived at, as otherwise the Government of Peru feel positive, from past and present experience, that Chile would not comply with its terms and would find a way of causing war, once more, with Peru. Lima, 26th February, 1926.”