810.20 Defense/1832b: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Peru (Norweb)
558. From the Under Secretary. I am transmitting herewith, in response to the inquiry made of you by the Peruvian Government, specific plans advanced by the War and Navy Departments in order to afford the maximum of protection to the Talara area. The plans are as follows:
“The War Department is prepared to dispatch to Talara as soon as practicable, 1 heavy bombardment squadron, 1 pursuit flight, service units, and 1 platoon of infantry, reinforced. This involves 8 heavy bombardment airplanes, 8 pursuit fighters, miscellaneous equipment, and approximately 750 officers and men.
It is proposed to send the ground elements of this force to Peru by water transportation from Panama as soon as permission is granted by the Peruvian Government. The airplanes are to be flown in as soon as service facilities are ready to receive them.
[Page 501]It is desired to concentrate this force at the Talara airport initially, with the right reserved to use such other Peruvian landing fields in that general area as circumstances may require.
Since the employment of the above force, based on Peruvian territory, bears directly on the defense of the Panama Canal, every effort which you can make to obtain the prompt and favorable consideration of Peruvian authorities to this proposal will be greatly appreciated.
No steps will, of course, be taken to place this plan in effect, pending further advice from you.”
I suggest that should you see no reason to the contrary, you discuss this suggestion directly with the President and make it clear to him that the proposal offers, in the judgment of this Government, the best evidence of the desire of the United States to take every necessary measure, in cooperation with Peru, to prevent any acts of hostility on the part of Axis powers against the territory of Peru.
Please telegraph as soon as possible the reply that may be made to you. [Welles.]