840.50/2479: Telegram
The Ambassador in Peru (Norweb) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10 p.m.]
1151. My despatch number 7688, August 23.29 The Secretary General of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs yesterday gave me the following information regarding the Colombian initiative for inter-American consultation on postwar problems.
He said that the Colombian communication raised three specific points:
- (1)
- Should any distinction be made between countries which have declared war on the Axis Powers and those which are aiding the United Nations by measures short of war? The Peruvian answer to this was in the negative. The Secretary General observed that Peru has taken all measures short of belligerency in support of the United Nations and consequently should have an equal voice in postwar problems with others of the American Republics even though some of the latter had declared war.
- (2)
- Should there be a meeting for inter-American consultation regarding policy on postwar problems? Peru answered this in the affirmative. The Secretary General emphasized that the Peruvian view is for consultation by all of the American Republics. This is in line with Peruvian objection to the formation of any bloc or the holding of regional meetings. In reply to my question the Secretary General stated that the matter of participation by Argentina is a separate problem. He expressed the opinion that Latin American Governments generally would resent active participation by Argentina unless there is a change in the present policy of that country. He repeated, however, that Peru favors a united front by all of the American Republics.
- (3)
- Would Peru be willing to sign the Declaration of the United Nations? Peru would be willing to do so if anything were to be gained by such action and if a good occasion could be found. The Secretary General recognized that there is some confusion on this point. Belligerent countries sign the declaration and other countries adhere to it. Peru has taken the latter step. The Secretary General observed that the Colombian question amounts to asking if Peru is willing to declare war on the Axis Powers. He said that Peru could not do more than it is doing now even if war were declared. Perhaps the technicalities of the declaration are not entirely clear to those who drafted the Colombian communication. However, the Peruvian answer indicates that Peru would be willing to take action equivalent to declaring war if such action would be of value to the United Nations and if a suitable occasion could be found.
From the foregoing it appears that the Colombian desire is to clarify the attitude of Latin American Governments and to attempt [Page 52] to reach inter-American agreement on the approach to postwar problems although the Colombian communication was addressed to only a few Governments. The Peruvian reply was favorable but makes clear the view that any consultation should include all of the American Republics.
- Not printed.↩