723.2515/2035: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile (Collier)
26. I wish to outline for you situation as it now stands: Two resolutions are pending before the Plebiscitary Commission. The Peruvian member has offered the first, which calls for indefinite postponement of plebiscite on ground that conditions compatible with holding of fair plebiscite do not exist. This resolution fixes blame for these conditions squarely upon Chile. Second resolution, which has been offered by Chilean member, recites that his Government has complied with all prerequisites prescribed for fair plebiscite, and calls for continuation of schedule, without prejudice, however, to right of Arbitrator in exercise of his reserved powers to declare vote void if he shall consider that results justify his taking this action.
On March 14 the Commission by majority vote, Chilean member voting contra under instructions from his Government, deferred action on both resolutions until March 24.
On March 12 I submitted to Governments of Chile and Peru a further interpretation of my offer of good offices. Peru replied on March 13, rejecting offer on substantially same terms as before. You are aware of Chile’s reply.
General Lassiter has reported continually increasing difficulties and has pointed out fully the inherent dangers in present situation. He is convinced that Chile has absolutely failed to comply with prerequisites laid down by Commission and that fair plebiscite is impossible under present conditions. In fact, he has suggested that for this reason the plebiscitary proceedings be terminated. I am advising him25 not to take any action for present on the resolutions pending and to take further adjournment of few days, when Commission reconvenes [Page 338] on March 24. I am doing this in the hope that door can be kept open for diplomatic adjustment and especially with view to affording opportunity for Chile to consider fully and to present, if she is so advised, any new suggestion such as enlargement of Arbitrator’s powers.
If Chile were to come forward on her own initiative with proposal either to invest Arbitrator with unlimited powers or otherwise, we should all regard it as distinct step forward in direction of a settlement, and it would be our hope that it would lead to actual negotiations. I do not know how long General Lassiter can or will maintain status quo in Plebiscitary Commission; for that reason it becomes exceedingly important that you explore all possibilities with Chilean Government at once.
- Telegram of Mar. 20, 6 p.m.; not printed.↩