811.245.23/6–2846: Telegram
The Chargé in Peru ( Donnelly ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:50 p.m.]
720. Although the Embassy has not yet received a reply to its note of June 11 to the Foreign Office relative to El Pato Talara Airbase referred to in the Embassy’s telegram 662, June 11, 6 p.m.,28 the Minister of Aeronautics sent to the Embassy on June 26 (without previous advice) copy of supreme resolution (as yet confidential) dated June 18, signed by President Bustamante and the Minister, appointing three Peruvian officers to a commission to negotiate with a similar commission appointed by the U.S. Government to inventory real property, supplies and equipment installed at the airbase. (FonOff confirmation resolution expected momentarily). The preamble of this resolution declares that adequate steps now be taken for delivery of the airbase to the Peruvian Government and cites as authority the notes exchanged between this Embassy and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, May 26 and July 8, 1942.28 The supreme resolution provides that the commission shall complete its work within a maximum period of 15 days. I have informed Minister it is impossible for us to meet this time limit and that I would refer the matter to the Department requesting that the Department and the War Department expedite the appointment of three U.S. officers to accomplish with the Peruvian officers the inventory of the El Pato Talara Airbase. It is recommended that officers designated be instructed [Page 1219] to report to this Embassy before going to Talara for orientation and further instructions.
It is evident President Bustamante and Minister of Aeronautics desire to initiate negotiations for delivery of airport to Peru before Congress convenes on July 28 and before President sends to Congress the proposed agreements for the future joint operation the airbase.
Repeated to Ambassador Pawley and to Panama for General Crittenberger.29