823.30/109: Telegram
The Ambassador in Peru (Dearing) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:30 p.m.]
190. Department’s 97, August 30, 1 p.m., and 103, September 3, 6 p.m. Called with Mr. Mayer on Colonel Montagne in charge of Foreign Office this morning and urged, in view of traditional friendship between our country and Peru and the good effect it would have upon public in the United States that Grow and Sutton be released and restored to full liberty upon giving their word of honor to remain in Lima to answer any bona fide charges that might be made against them. Montagne said he had been working out their cases and promised to take them up with the chief of junta at once.
This afternoon Foreign Office telephoned to say president of junta had ordered the immediate liberation of Mr. Sutton and Captain Grow, and that Mr. Gildred, another American arriving tomorrow who feared arrest, would not be detained. Foreign Office stated that legal proceedings would, however, be carried out in the usual way. Mrs. Sutton and Mrs. Grow have been informed and are much relieved. Suggest as friendly and favorable an atmosphere as possible be given the news given to the press to allay the anti-Americanism still prevalent here.
Mr. Mayer, Mr. Coe and the entire Embassy staff have handled the general situation with great good judgment. Lima is orderly and quiet and the new authorities make an increasingly good impression [Page 748] by their acts. I have not taken up the Leguia question, which seems likely to take care of itself, but shall watch it carefully. Fuller report by mail.