723.2515/3338: Telegram
The Ambassador in Peril (Moore) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 17—4:43 a.m.]
75. Today I had two conferences with President Leguia. At the first conference he asked me if President Hoover would make the suggestion of settlement of the Tacna-Arica question if both countries agreed beforehand to accept the suggestion.
I informed President Leguia that you had stated that President Hoover would do so, but only under the conditions mentioned in your 44, April 11, 5 p.m. He then told me of a suggestion he was going to make to Ambassador Figueroa and requested me to return at 5 p.m.
When I saw him at that time he said in substance:
“I had a conference with the Chilean Ambassador. I asked the Ambassador for the plans and specifications of the proposed port at Yaradas. The Ambassador replied that he had no plans at present but that Chile would guarantee the construction of the port.
I answered that I was unable to take this guarantee from Chile because it would only lead to future disputes, and that no one could guarantee himself.
I then informed the Chilean Ambassador that as it appeared to be impossible for Chile’s engineers and mine to agree, I would consider the proposition of Peru’s taking the customhouse, railroad station, and pier at Arica—all constructed at the expense of Chile for the free use of Peru in perpetuity—and $6,000,000 to connect Tacna by railroad with other portions of Peru. I stated that I would accept this proposal only on condition that the suggestion for settlement come from the President of the United States, Herbert Hoover.”
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President Leguia has the idea that if the proposed solution comes from the President of the United States of America, it will carry more prestige, will be more binding and will save any disputes which might arise in the future.