723.2515/3154: Telegram

The Ambassador in Peru ( Moore ) to the Secretary of State

[Paraphrase]

60. I saw President Leguia. At present the Tacna-Arica situation is as follows: President Leguia prefers and is anxious to have President Coolidge render a decision settling the entire controversy, and he will unquestionably stand by that decision. I am satisfied that President Leguia’s reason for this is that while he is most anxious [Page 661] to get the matter out of the way, he does not want any responsibility before the public that can be avoided. President Leguia would, of course, accept internationalization of the whole zone. If the plantations, port and city of Arica were internationalized, he would divide the disputed territory in two. He would exchange Ministers,35 but he will not take the initiative in suggesting this. There is a remote possibility that he might agree to divide the territory and have an international commission decide the compensation to Peruvian individuals for damages to their property or for property taken from them. President Leguia is unalterably opposed to turning the territory over to Bolivia. There is no question of a sincere desire for a settlement. If the Department has any suggestions, or cares to feel out Chile on any suggestions, the time is now propitious to do so as there is no question that Peru is receptive but fears the political consequences of initiating any movement. I am awaiting the Department’s suggestions or instructions.

Moore
  1. See pp. 647 ff.