723.2515/2428: Telegram
The Consul at Arica (Von Tresckow) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:40 p.m.]
From Lassiter. At meeting of the Plebiscitary Commission this afternoon I made a statement indicating desirability of postponing [Page 477] definite action today. Edwards replied with definite and specific statement that Chilean Government insisted on immediate action.
Freyre and I both read statements28 replying to Edwards’ statement at last meeting. I expressed my views on the dominating factors that had affected the plebiscite.
I then introduced resolution for termination. Edwards said that he did not think Commission possessed right to terminate plebiscite, and that he wished to refer matter to Chilean Government. He requested delay for this purpose, which was granted. I presume that he will be able to act by day after tomorrow. Freyre made no comment and said that he was ready to vote now.
Commission agreed that no publicity should be given today’s proceedings; but it is practically certain that Chileans will publish essential facts. I commented on publication of Edwards’ statement made at last previous meeting; he said Senate had asked for a copy and he could not control matter. If his statement should be published in the United States, I think that my statement, too, should be published.
- Lassiter
- Von Tresckow
- Printed in El Arbitrate de Tacna y Arica, tomo segundo, pp. 756 and 762.↩