723.2515/3154: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Peru (Moore)
75. Embassy’s telegram No. 60, June 18, 2 p.m., in which you state:
“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.”
It seems to me that the time is now propitious to inaugurate in some way conversations looking to the settlement of the Tacna-Arica question. In a short time Ambassadors will be resident in each country. In view of the improved feeling between the two countries, can you ascertain from President Leguia how far he would be willing to go in the settlement of this matter? I gather from President Leguia’s statements to you that he will not agree to the transfer of any of the territory to Bolivia. I do not believe that Chile will agree to neutralization. It seems to me, therefore, that the division would be the best. The first proposition I ever made was for division. However, I do not desire to make a definite proposition to either country at present, but I should like to have President Leguia’s agreement in principle on a settlement before I make any further propositions.