721.23/1032: Telegram
The Ambassador in Peru (Dearing) to the Secretary of State
Lima, February 6, 1933—3
p.m.
[Received 5:40 p.m.]
[Received 5:40 p.m.]
68. Leticia.
- 1.
- British Minister now completely straightened out and, under instructions from London to do so, orally informed Manzanilla at noon, 5th, British Government had learned Peruvian troops conscripted in Eastern Peru were in Leticia and desired to draw Peru’s earnest attention to her obligations under article 2 of Pact of Paris.
- 2.
- Manzanilla asserted Peru had every intention of observing her obligations under Paris Pact but British Minister smoked him out drawing forth by questions that Peru will hold Leticia, will positively [Page 458] not accept point 2 Brazilian Plan unless altered to meet Peruvian wishes and that action by Colombia against captors in Leticia will draw Peruvian attack.
- 3.
- Manzanilla hedged about presence of Government troops and Minister of War in Leticia but would not deny it, saying he did not know.
- 4.
- British Minister pointed to adverse opinion of world and Peru’s opportunity under Brazilian Plan to save her face. Manzanilla stated world opinion would have to be ignored if it meant abandoning captors or Loreto and that Peru had been trying to save Colombia’s face.
- 5.
- British Minister found Manzanilla absolutely stubborn and optimistic and not to be moved by statement Peru will win more by peaceful negotiations than by war and that Peru has made exceptional gain in getting commitment from Colombia through Brazilian good offices to discuss Salomon-Lozano Treaty. Manzanilla wants everything.
- 6.
- British Minister warned Manzanilla his optimism was fatal and that he must not wait too long to seize the right course. He has reported fully to London by telegraph.
- 7.
- British Minister, Bogotá, reported Colombia impatient and planning to attack 6th.
Dearing