723.2515/2428: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile (Collier)
108. Lassiter reports29 that he saw Edwards before meeting of Plebiscitary Commission yesterday afternoon, called his attention to state of negotiations for settlement, and made suggestion that it might be desirable to postpone for short period further definite action by Commission on Edwards’ pending motion to fix date of election. Edwards replied that he knew nothing of what was going on in Santiago about good offices and that his instructions were to pay no attention to good offices, but to press and to continue to press for vote on his motion and to appeal if that motion were voted down. As late as 10 o’clock, June 8, Edwards continued, he had received cable instruction telling him to press for a vote. His attitude was wholly opposed to any delay or postponement.
Later at the meeting of the Commission Edwards made definite, specific statement that Chilean Government insisted on immediate action. Lassiter thereupon introduced following resolution:
[Page 478][Here follows text of resolution quoted in the Secretary’s telegram of June 3, 5 p.m., to the consul at Arica, printed on page 459.]
Upon introduction of this resolution Edwards stated that he did not think Commission possessed right to terminate plebiscite; he said that he wished to refer matter to his Government and requested a delay for that purpose, which was granted. Lassiter thinks that final action may be taken by tomorrow.
Commission agreed that no publicity should be given to its proceedings yesterday. I am informing you of foregoing facts so that you may be fully prepared and ready to take any necessary action should Chile give publicity. Please report at once all developments.
- Telegram of June 9, 4 p.m.; not printed.↩