723.2515/2005: Telegram
The Consul at Arica (Von Tresckow) to the Secretary of State
[Paraphrase]
Arica, March 11,
1926—2 p.m.
[Received 7:45 p.m.]
[Received 7:45 p.m.]
From Lassiter. Acting Secretary’s telegram, March 10, 6 p.m.
- (1)
- Essence of Department’s stand is that it has not yet been proved that fair plebiscite cannot be held and that I must somehow find way to [Page 326] go ahead until it is proved. Department ignores entirely fact that my advisers and I are in close touch with situation; that I have stated categorically in my telegram of March 9, 11 a.m., that conditions are not now compatible with fair plebiscite and that responsibility rests on Chile. I have informed Chilean member of the Commission twice in last two weeks that these were my views, and he has so informed his Government.
- (2)
- Department appears to think that I must do something to force Peru to push on blindly into a contest where, it is my conviction, she has no fair chance to register and cast her vote and where suffering and bloodshed will follow. If Peru goes ahead it must be on her own initiative; she states she will not go ahead until conditions have been changed radically for the better. Peru might go on if Chile were formally notified by Commission that conditions are unsatisfactory and that responsibility for improving them rests on her.
- (3)
- Alternative is that Peru withdraw. If she takes that step, I have not faintest idea where I could find anyone willing to be the Peruvian member, and there is no personnel available for the Peruvian registration boards, appeal courts, etc., which requires in all more than one hundred persons. As all Peruvians, moreover, would abstain from the plebiscite, it would be mere farce which I should disown at the end.
- (4)
- Situation is intensely strained and any postponement would precipitate trouble. I believe my plan14 can be carried out with minimum of friction. Alternative resolutions mentioned in my March 9 telegram can be sustained by the record; they are conservative in character and are calculated to avoid stirring up bitterness. I do not think they would greatly surprise Chilean member.
- (5)
- Not possible to delay my decision beyond evening of March 12, if proper instructions are to reach personnel at a distance by time set for beginning registration. My legal advisers and the secretary general of the Commission are unanimously agreed that my plan is only one to take under circumstances. We have canvassed situation thoroughly and are unable to reach any other solution, though manner of presentation of plan will be suitably modified. I must go ahead with it, unless the Arbitrator desires to appoint some one else to take my place.
- (6)
- No additional personnel should be sent here, as it would be wholly unjustifiable to add to already enormous expense of this plebiscite. Lassiter.
Von Tresckow