723.2515/2054: Telegram
The Consul at Arica (Von Tresckow) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:10 p.m.]
[From Lassiter.] At Commission meeting this morning the two pending motions before reported were voted down. Peruvian member then introduced a motion for neutralization of territory, which was voted down. Peruvian member next introduced a very long motion reciting reasons why a fair plebiscite could not be held and ending up with a series of resolutions whose main effect was that Chile was in default of the award. The principal concluding resolution was as follows:
“That, in view of the facts above stated, the celebration of a free and fair plebiscite as established by the award is impossible of realization and in consequence thereof it is the duty of the Plebiscitary Commission to so inform the Arbitrator.”
My statement in connection with the latter resolution was as follows:
“As stated before when voting on the resolution introduced by the Peruvian member for indefinite postponement, I am prepared to continue plebiscitary proceedings with a hope that appropriate safeguards for the plebiscite will be provided and with the intention of observing conditions and utilizing all information gathered throughout the plebiscite to formulate a judgment as to further decisions to be taken; an expression of the conclusions of the Commission upon plebiscitary conditions is at this moment not essential or advantageous; I therefore abstain from voting on the resolution.”
The motion accordingly was not carried. Full text is being cabled to you.31
- 2.
- Freyre told me before the meeting that his Government had accepted good offices unconditionally. He also said he had no instructions as to withdrawal in case his resolutions were not accepted and apparently did not know what he would do about commencing registration on Saturday. He made no further propositions for postponement. [Page 350] If Peru does not take part in registration on Saturday and does not formally withdraw, situation will be very embarrassing.
- 3.
- If both Governments have accepted good offices, suggest you notify each Government immediately to cable its representative here to vote for such postponement as you deem necessary. It would put us in a bad light for me to initiate such a proposition. It is most important to stop all plebiscitary proceedings if reasonable excuse can be found.
- Telegram not printed. Text of the Peruvian motion is printed in Spanish in El proceso de Tacna y Arica (1925–1927) ; reseña de las principales sucesos, etc. (Lima, Casa Editora “La Opinion Nacional,” 1927), p. 303.↩