724.3415/2054: Telegram
The Ambassador in Peru (Dearing) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:35 p.m.]
116. Department’s circular August 11, 2 p.m., and circular August 12, 6 p.m. Messages being received badly garbled and causing delay. Had an extended talk with Foreign Minister this morning. There can be no doubt that Peru will support Commission and keep it informed, defer any independent action and follow Commission’s lead.
Foreign Minister declares Peru will live up to declaration of August 3 and showed me a telegram to the Ambassador in Washington instructing him to support the Commission’s inquiry of Bolivia of August 9.
I gather that since Peru desires to leave negotiations in the hands of the Commission of Neutrals, Foreign Minister feels direct appeals from Peru to Bolivia somewhat unnecessary.
The Minister states that so far as four neighboring countries are concerned Peru will abide by the formula signed August 6th and desires that Argentina, Brazil and Chile shall do the same, leaving the lead to the Commission. He says no separate negotiations have been [Page 180] carried out by Peru with Bolivia and Paraguay, since the signing of the formula of August 6th.
The Foreign Minister stated I had given him the first news of action of Argentina mentioned in the circular of August 12, 6 p.m., and is decidedly of the opinion that such independent action is confusing and undesirable; that negotiations at Buenos Aires and in Santiago may cause trouble, and that for the four neighboring nations to abide by formula of August 6th and follow the Commission’s lead is by all means the best.
It is evident Foreign Minister thinks Argentina and Chile are continuing their rivalry and playing for advantage. When I asked whether the four powers have any definite program of action covering essentials of the situation, the Minister iterated his statement that Peru based itself squarely on the declaration of August 6th and would support the Neutral Commission.