Mr. Victor Maúrtua, chairman of the Peruvian Delegation to the
Peruvian-Colombian Conference assembled at this capital, sent the
following statement to the press:
“The Governments of Perú and Colombia signed an Agreement at
Geneva on May 25, 1933, authorized by the Council of the
League of Nations.
This Agreement was for the purpose of peacefully adjusting
the frontier incidents between the two countries, caused by
a rebellion in Leticia of the frontier population.
It was stipulated that the disturbed zone would be evacuated
and delivered, for one year, to the administration, in the
name of Colombia, of a Commission of the League of
Nations.
It was also provided that immediately thereafter negotiations
would open between the two States, for the settlement in a
just and satisfactory manner, of all the pending problems or
differences, taking account of the legitimate interests of
Peru.
Things are now in this state. The provisionary status of
Leticia has obeyed the convenience of maintaining
tranquillity on the frontier
[Page 339]
while negotiations are being carried
on. Prudence and a sincere desire for peace, counsel no
change for an additional short period of time if found
necessary or useful for an understanding between the two
countries.
A quiet frontier affords a great opportunity for an
understanding at the Peruvian-Colombian Conference, which
should not be overlooked by responsible statesmen.
We are not dealing with strict problems of law, susceptible
of raising disturbing objections. We are dealing with a
carefully prepared plan, back of which is a profound desire
for harmony.
But while viewing the juridical side of the question, it is
only just to recognize that not only in the Agreement of
Geneva, as also in the Boundary Treaty which caused
difficulties between Colombia and Peru, the two Parties have
rights and obligations which they maintain reciprocally. The
equal position of the two States will facilitate with real
efficacy, the work of civilization that they are
undertaking.”
