Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1926, Volume I

723.2515/2021: Telegram

The Consul at Arica (Von Tresckow) to the Secretary of State

[Paraphrase]

Arica, March 15, 1926—6 p.m.
[Received March 16—2 p.m.]

From Lassiter.

(1) It is vital for protection of Arbitrator’s position and best interests of the United States to prevent a situation from arising within plebiscitary territory which might lead to serious disturbances and loss of life. Although Arbitrator’s efforts have been for purpose of promoting peace and settling this controversy, a situation has developed which involves increased suffering and hardships among local Peruvian population and may possibly lead to outbreak of hostilities between Chile and Peru.

(2) Based on foregoing, I wish to give you my forecast of probable sequence of events here should Department’s second attempt to bring about settlement outside plebiscite prove to no avail, and to make definite recommendations.

(3) I expect Plebiscitary Commission to meet March 24 and vote down the two pending resolutions which were submitted respectively by members for Peru and Chile. I expect the Peruvian member then to submit immediately a resolution to terminate the proceedings. I have not talked with him about this since day before yesterday; but I understand he has drawn up his resolution in measured language but that he definitely places responsibility for failure upon Chile. If I do not like Peruvian draft, I shall submit a substitute. I assume that this resolution will be passed, that my vote will be accompanied by brief statement in restrained language giving my estimate of situation, and that my statement will be published with the resolution.

(4) Chilean member would probably request 2 or 3 days for consideration of last-mentioned resolution. I assume that vote on resolution would take place about March 27. Five days up to April 1 would then be allowed for appeal. It would surely require 10 days to prepare case for Arbitrator; and bulkiness of briefs would make necessary their despatch by mail, thus taking 3 weeks more. The case could hardly reach Washington before May 1, and undoubtedly the Arbitrator would need 2 weeks for consideration; so no final decision could be reached before about May 15.

(5) In meantime unless some decisive action had been taken, Peruvian and American electoral boards and committees, as well as Plebiscitary Commission and all the imported and idle voters now in territory, would be kept inactive in this tense atmosphere. It would be a miracle, under such circumstances, if there were no clashes or incidents that might become of gravest international importance. I deem it to be our imperative duty to move quickly to relieve this situation and to permit territory to revert with all possible rapidity to more adjustable status.

(6) In view of foregoing, I make following recommendations which I request will be conveyed to Arbitrator as expressing my sincere convictions; I feel strongly that they should be taken, and every technical point strained to bring them about.

(a) As soon as you receive word from me that Plebiscitary Commission has passed resolution recommending termination of proceedings, the Arbitrator should instruct Commission by cable somewhat as follows: “Reserving all powers to pass with or without appeal upon Commission’s findings, and to order, if deemed advisable, resumption of plebiscitary proceedings, the Arbitrator directs that all electoral proceedings be suspended for minimum period of at least three months, and that election board’s personnel be withdrawn, to be replaced at later date if necessary.”

(b) Simultaneously, the Arbitrator shall direct Plebiscitary Commission to adjourn to meet in Washington on May 1, or as soon as practicable after that date, to present all sides of case to him. My advisers perceive no legal or other objection to procedure proposed.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(12) If the Arbitrator should call the Commission to Washington, it would be quite agreeable to me were General Pershing to resume his duties as president of the Plebiscitary Commission; I should greatly prefer to return to the Canal Zone. Lassiter.

Von Tresckow