723.2515/2406: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Arica (Von Tresckow)
For Lassiter. I assume that your telegram of June 4, 8 p.m., was sent before you had received my telegram June 4, 6 p.m. This morning I have received renewed urgent appeals from Collier19 for one [Page 467] week’s, or if possible, ten days’ time. He report that sentiment is rapidly developing at Santiago in favor of diplomatic settlement; and that, although for political reasons the Chilean Government dares not instruct Edwards to withdraw his request for a meeting today, he has been told informally that the Government’s influence will be exerted in every way to minimize popular criticism if a postponement is taken. In view of this critical situation it would be most unwise to burn any bridges next Monday by introducing resolution that was quoted in my telegram June 3, 5 p.m. Please arrange to keep matters in abeyance even if you have to vote against Edwards’ motion fixing election date, assigning some technical reason. Point of whole matter is that the final action terminating plebiscite, when and if taken, must be in circumstances such as to leave least possible room for complaint by either party that either you or we have precipitated it while the parties are actively negotiating and actually formulating definite proposals for a settlement. We can not afford to be put in position of closing door on a last chance of arrangement.
- Telegram No. 196, June 4, 11 p.m.; not printed.↩