835.00/2–2546: Telegram
The Ambassador in Peru (Pawley) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:46 p.m.]
214. ReDepcirtel February 21, 9 a.m.82 Since none of important Lima papers have commented on Blue Book except for APRA La Tribuna, which is favorable, silence of major periodicals is considered as deliberate avoidance of controversial issue, and their failure to use this opportunity to criticize US is significant, as reported in previous telegrams. While news coverage has been extensive, only smaller and relatively unimportant papers have given their views which except for La Tribuna and the Communist sheet Labor are decidedly unfavorable. On February 22 La Prensa began printing in installments full text of document. Argentine Embassy has put out several communiqués denying that elections would be postponed and emphasizing tranquil atmosphere in Argentina.
There has been no clear cut official reaction, although APRA leaders have publicly announced approval. In general, prominent Peruvians both in and out of official circles and foreign diplomats stay away from the subject. Their non-committal answers and the general impression given, however, are that publication of Blue Book was a mistake, ill-timed, and if anything may have done more harm then good.
- Not printed.↩