474. Editorial Note
In early January 1966 Ambassador Jones suggested a plan for “political action” to resolve the status of the International Petroleum Company (IPC) in Peru. In a January 4 message, Jones explained that President Belaúnde could not submit an IPC settlement to Congress without the tacit support of the American Popular Revolutionary Alliance (APRA). There was, however, a problem: “A decision of such importance to APRA can only be made by party leader [Victor] Haya De La Torre who is at present in Europe.” Jones, therefore, recommended that a U.S. official approach Haya in Europe in an attempt “to persuade him to send assurances to President Belaunde that the Apristas will make no trouble over the issue and urge him [Belaunde] to act now.” (Memorandum from Broe to Vaughn, January 4; Department of State, INR/IL Historical Files, Latin America Country File, Peru, 1961–1964)
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At a meeting with a U.S. official in Hamburg, January 16, Haya agreed to support a fair settlement of the IPC case and acknowledged that Belaúnde’s latest proposal, as outlined by the officer, was, in fact, reasonable. According to a subsequent report: “No financial or other commitments were made, nor were any requested by Haya.” (Memorandum to the 303 Committee, January 17; ibid., 303 Committee Special Files, January–June 1966)