723.2515/3216: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Peru ( Hanna )
[Paraphrase]
Washington
,
October 29,
1928—noon
.
80. Your telegram No. 121, October 27, 11 a.m.
- (1)
- Regarding President Leguia’s suggestion that Chile and Peru agree to place the territory under the administration of the United States, please say to President Leguia that while this country would be glad to do anything it consistently can do to adjust those differences, it is unable to assume any obligation to govern the territory either alone, or in conjunction with some other neutral country to administer it.
- (2)
- I am very anxious that Chile and Peru make an amicable adjustment of this long-standing difficulty and I cannot urge this too strongly. Both sides must make sacrifices. I am certain that the advantages of settlement will far outweigh any sacrifices and will commend itself to every nation in the world.
- (3)
- For your information, it seems to me that a division of the territory on a line north of the railway with Chile contributing some territory northwest of Arica and Tacna some territory on the southeast, so that the railway will be on territory of Chile and the city of Arica be made a free port, would be a reasonable adjustment. Arrangements could be made that the Morro be set aside as a national monument; that both Tacna and Arica be demilitarized with no forts at any place; that the Arica-Tacna railway have full rights in the harbor; and that Peru enjoy not only the rights of a free port but additional guarantees regarding equal charges, port dues and any other charges. This information is for you, but I do not desire to make any offer. I think it would be unwise so long as the negotiations are between the two countries.
- (4)
- Repeat your telegram No. 121, October 27, to the American Embassy in Chile, together with this reply.
Kellogg