811.24523/5–3146: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Peru (Donnelly)

secret
us urgent

475. Amb Pawley proceeding Lima tomorrow from Miami to carry on Talara airbase negotiations.

Copy proposed draft agreement24 which embodies desires Army and Navy sent direct to Pawley other copy being sent Lima first courier.

Please draw Ambs attention to fact new wording Article First would give Peru access to Panama bases and that greatest possible general reciprocity of facilities is assured Peru. Also that Article 7th not intended to secure other than disciplinary jurisdiction over acts of personnel within bases. Suggest Article 13th be first cleared with IPC.

With draft as basis Amb has full latitude to secure best possible agreement with Peru. If and when agreement is reached with Peruvian Govt draft should be referred to Dept for clearance and instructions re signature.

Byrnes
  1. The substance of this draft agreement was quoted in telegram 479, May 31, 1946, to Lima. The El Pato air base, all other airports, and the air corridors of both countries, including facilities and equipment were to be accessible to both parties. Official personnel of each country would not be exempt from the laws of the other country while in that country, although each Government was to have jurisdiction over its personnel at bases in the other country. A Technical Commission of three members from each country was charged with overseeing El Pato, but a Peruvian was to have direct command assisted by American personnel. In time of war, the United States would assume control. (811.24523/6–146)