323.2322/5: Telegram
The Chargé in Peru (Mayer) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:35 p.m.]
179. Department’s telegram 99, August 30, 3 p.m. I have communicated informally with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as indicated; most, if not all, of the other diplomatic representatives concerned have taken similar action. From all I can gather there must be at least sixty or seventy political refugees in the various embassies and legations here.
A certain number are purely of a political character such as the Leguia family and the principal officers of state. Our refugees and those in the Chilean, Brazilian and Netherlands Legations, are of this character. The rest are for the most part in my opinion persons who should not be allowed to escape trial in Peru because of diplomatic immunities therein. While desiring to manifest Pan American solidarity at the beginning of the arrangement of this question of refugees, I believe a point may soon be reached where each mission must stand on its own feet; otherwise I feel it most probable that those missions which have purely political refugees in asylum will be tarred with the same brush as other missions differently situated and whom the Peruvians may rightly consider as standing in the way of the execution of justice.
I have discussed this matter with my Chilean and Brazilian colleagues who feel similarly. Unless otherwise instructed I shall follow this line of action which, in the last analysis, will enable us properly to differentiate between our refugees and others and also enable us to insist on their safe departure.