723.2515/2118: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile (Collier)
43. I have received following message this morning from General Lassiter:49
Edwards has returned as Chilean Commissioner. He takes the very strong stand that the Washington negotiations will reach no solution, that political conditions in Chile and Peru prevent their agreeing on any common plan, that Chile will surely win plebiscite and that then she will consider doing something for Bolivia and perhaps for Peru, and that everything depends upon completion of the plebiscite. Chileans are enrolling large number of registrants, as practically all who apply are accepted for lack of well-informed Peruvian opposition and challenge; the Chileans will point to these figures to show that their strength in the community is heavily preponderant, and that the province, therefore, must be theirs. Edwards, therefore, says that they fought for it, won it, and that it is theirs. At banquet last night in honor of Edwards and Claro, both men made speeches to effect that it was desire of Government of Chile to carry plebiscite through to [Page 375] conclusion; that the award required this to be done; that Chile’s triumph was certain; and that this involved definite incorporation of Tacna and Arica in Republic of Chile.
Following is report of my subsequent conversation with Ambassador Cruchaga:
I told the Ambassador that I was astonished at Edwards’ statement; that it was Edwards who first proposed an adjustment outside the plebiscite, that he had frequently urged it on General Pershing, and that Chilean Government had from time to time suggested it through the American Ambassador in Chile. Furthermore, just as General Pershing was leaving Arica, Edwards definitely proposed to him that territory be neutralized; Pershing made written statement in pencil of proposition, showed it to Edwards, and latter approved it; Edwards had frequently made statements of the same sort to Mr. Stabler, the secretary general of the Commission and member of the American delegation; and if Edwards or Government of Chile had any idea that either the American Commissioner or the President [Arbitrator?] would permit them to proceed with a one-sided registration and end it there and sustain such an election as would follow, they were entirely mistaken. Every opportunity would be given to Peru to register if she wished, her rights would be protected, and any such election as is now proposed would, if held, most certainly be set aside.
The Chilean Ambassador expressed his great disappointment and astonishment at position Edwards has taken and said that he was urging Chilean Government to make a definite proposition.
Both Chilean and Peruvian Plenipotentiaries have requested adjournment of conference until April 12 (Monday), at 10 a.m., stating that they wished to consult their respective Governments, and hoped to be ready then to make counterpropositions. Ambassador Cruchaga intimated to me that he expected that some proposition which would include Bolivia would be submitted.
- telegram of Apr. 9, 2 p.m.↩