823.00 Revolutions/335: Telegram
The Chargé in Peru (Burdett) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:26 p.m.]
106. Referring to my telegram No. 104, this morning Government requisitioned Panagra Fairchild plane using Peruvian pilot. Asked Harris for Ford with American pilot in as much as Peruvians cannot fly tri-motor plane. Harris replied that Embassy declined to authorize Americans to fly to zone hostilities. Minister of Foreign Affairs called for me and considerably agitated threatened cancellation contract with Peruvian Airways unless material and personnel is placed at disposition of Government during revolution. I refrained from registering protest against use of planes but reiterated position of Embassy that it would endeavor to prevent American pilots flying to danger zone.
[Page 949]Embassy believes Government desires to establish an uncontested basis whereby it can use Panagra planes whenever revolutions or political disorders occur anywhere in Peru, placing Panagra in the position of auxiliary to Peruvian military aviation.