823.00 Revolutions/31: Telegram
The Chargé in Peru (Mayer) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 30—9:50 a.m.]
172. Department’s 95, August 29, 2 p.m. Feeling throughout the country is so strongly condemnatory of the Leguia regime and all [Page 737] its works (please see my 170, August 29, 10 p.m.) that, to be effective and at the same time not to result unfortunately for our interests here, any efforts on our part respecting the President’s personal safety must be couched in terms immediately responsive to the present psychology. With all deference I submit the following formula for textual communication to Sanchez Cerro or his Minister of Foreign Affairs.
“The traditional close friendship which has always existed between the peoples of Peru and of the United States impels me to express the earnest hope that in dealing with the former government in Peru, the Council of Government at Lima will not usher in a new era in Peru with any steps which, by alienating world opinion, could not but have a profound effect upon the international standing and credit of the Government resulting from the present movement.
I realize the strong pressure to which the leaders of this movement are being subjected. But mindful of the considerations set forth above, the Government and people of the United States sincerely hope that these leaders will take, against disgraceful action, the same firm stand which has so impressed us with respect to the restoration of law and order in Peru.”