723.2515/3204a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Peru (Hanna)
77. As you know, the Tacna-Arica Boundary Commission on several occasions has become involved in very difficult situations which threatened not only to destroy the harmony of the meetings but also, if unchecked, to prejudice the new friendly spirit between the two Governments and people. In order that nothing may now be done to make a settlement more difficult, which settlement I hope will soon be reached, I desire that you call on President Leguia at once and, after explaining the circumstances mentioned above which bring me to this view, suggest to him that the Commission suspend its operations completely for a period of four months. The expenses of the Commission would stop immediately, and would not be resumed unless it should become necessary for the Commission to resume action later. I hope very much that the entire Tacna-Arica question will be settled before that time, in which case there will be no need for the Commission to make a decision, since Peru will receive very much more territory under a settlement of the entire Tacna-Arica question than that country could possibly receive from the Commission. Please take this matter up immediately and cable the reply of President Leguia. A similar suggestion has been made to the Government of Chile. If both Governments are in agreement, each can then issue instructions to its member on the Commission to vote for the postponement in question. Neither party will be prejudiced in the least by this action. It will save expense, and if a settlement is eventually made, as I hope and believe it will be, the necessity for further action will be obviated. I urge strongly that this course be pursued.