740.0011 Pacific War/702: Telegram
The Ambassador in Peru (Norweb) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:25 p.m.]
657. Department’s circular telegram dated December 7, 4 p.m. I already had an interview with the Minister for Foreign Affairs at 5 p.m. Most of the Foreign Office officials were present. The Minister was expecting my call and the Peruvian Government is taking action to meet the new situation both from the point of view of Peruvian interests and of hemispheric solidarity. The attitude of the Foreign Minister was responsive and I believe that he will be prepared to give favorable consideration to any suggestions from our Government. I took occasion to point out that a solution of the boundary dispute with Ecuador would contribute to hemispheric solidarity.
The Peruvian Ministries of Government, War and Marine have issued instructions to put into effect the comprehensive plans against [Page 110] sabotage and subversive activities which had been prepared. The movements of Japanese in Peru will be controlled.
All American interests have been advised and are taking precautionary measures. Panagra will refuse to carry any German, Italian or Japanese passengers until further notice. The British Minister informs me that necessary steps have been taken to protect the central railway.
Peru realizes its special problem because of the large Japanese colony and in the event that it remains neutral the Foreign Minister informed me that neutrality measures would not apply to the United States. He said that he could see no need for continued Japanese consular representation in Peru. The breaking off of diplomatic relations with Japan probably depend somewhat upon the action taken by other American Governments. The Foreign Minister said that Peru will immediately reexamine all military questions on the basis of the staff conversations which have taken place between our two countries. The President and Cabinet are meeting this evening and the Minister for Foreign Affairs will see me again tomorrow. In the meantime he gave me the encouraging message contained in my telegram No. 656, December 7, 7 p.m.