723.2515/2063: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile (Collier)
35. Your No. 47, March 26, 11 p.m. As Chile deems her acceptance of good offices to be binding, only question over which there is misunderstanding is suspension of the plebiscitary proceedings during negotiations. Apparently the distinction between such suspension as is contemplated by terms of offer of good offices and a postponement or termination for plebiscite needs emphasis. General arrangement for plebiscite should not be disturbed or impaired, but execution of plans which have been formulated by the Plebiscitary Commission can and should be held in abeyance during proposed negotiation; this can be done without in any way prejudicing resumption of plebiscitary operations if and whenever it shall appear that negotiations can not reach satisfactory conclusion.
It is manifestly impracticable to carry on negotiations and at same time have plebiscitary activities proceeding with the attendant risks of complications and disorders which would aggravate whole situation. I can perceive little hope for successful negotiations on any other phase. Chile’s acceptance embodied in her memorandum of February 19 was based on her understanding that the proceedings or steps taken in exercise of the good offices offered in my memorandum would not impede the plebiscitary proceedings provided in the arbitral award. I have understood this to be an unqualified acceptance of offer of good offices in accordance with terms and spirit in which it was made, and the intimation you now convey that Chile thinks she made an express reservation that plebiscitary activities should continue during the negotiations comes as a distinct surprise. I am unable to believe that Chile, on reflection, will insist upon a reservation or condition which qualifies her acceptance in such a way as to render it wholly illusory.
If any part of correspondence with Chile in regard to good offices is published, I think that entire correspondence with her on that subject should be given out, and for that reason I shall furnish it to the press.