723.2515/2076: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile (Collier)
36. This morning I received a telegram from General Lassiter41 giving substance of letter presented to him by Claro in which position is taken that Chile’s acceptance of good offices was accompanied by condition that plebiscitary proceedings should not be suspended during negotiations; that neither Plebiscitary Commission nor Arbitrator has power to direct a suspension, which can be brought about only by unanimous vote. I do not wish to express any opinion at this time on the technical correctness of this position; however, I desire to emphasize the most prominent features of existing situation as follows:
[Here follows text of the first paragraph of telegram No. 30, March 29, 1 p.m., to the Ambassador in Peru, supra.]
I have already expressed the same views, in identical terms, to Peru. I feel that offer and acceptance of good offices has lifted this whole matter to distinctly higher plane, and that it is now desirable for all of us to take broadest possible view of problem, ignoring, as far as we can, technical considerations. Fully appreciating the difficulties faced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, I again express the earnest hope that he will find a way to agree to suspension of plebiscitary activities during the forthcoming negotiations.
- Telegram not printed.↩