723.2515/2249a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Peru (Poindexter)
46. My No. 44, April 15, 8 p.m. Situation at present is as follows:
1. Chile has accepted division of the territory.
2. Peru has rejected division of the territory.
3. Peru has accepted neutralization of the territory.
4. Chile has not yet replied to neutralization proposal.
5. Peru agrees to give Bolivia outlet to sea in south of Arica Province provided rest of province be neutralized.
6. Chile has not yet replied to second alternative offer I made on April 15.
7. Chilean Senate has adopted resolution reading in translation as follows:
After hearing the explanation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Senate is of the opinion that the plebiscite must be held in order to safeguard the principle of arbitration and in fulfillment of the Award rendered by His Excellency the President of the United States, and acknowledges the Government’s effort to find a harmonious solution of the problem of Tacna-Arica.72
8. From the above it appears that there is little likelihood that Chile will accept either of proposals which I made on April 15. In this situation Peru now has it in her power to bring about settlement by agreeing to division of the territory. If this proposal is accepted in principle it opens door to many possible solutions; the territory could be divided between Chile and Peru or among Chile, Peru, and Bolivia on several bases. It is our understanding that Chilean Senate’s resolution does not affect my first proposal for division of the territory. Chile having definitely accepted a division, however, and [Page 417] not having withdrawn her acceptance, it manifestly would be most difficult for her to withdraw her acceptance should Peru now accept.
Position Peru has taken in rejecting division of the territory is that she is unable to accept giving up by her own act a part of what she claims as her sovereign territory. Should the territory have been lost to her through an arbitral award or the plebiscite that would be a different matter. Although I fully appreciate point of view taken by Peru, I feel, nevertheless, that the present is not a time to insist on considerations which are technical and more or less theoretical. We are now confronted by what appears to be our last opportunity to bring about a solution of this controversy of many years’ duration which has not only embittered relations between two leading South American countries, but has greatly reacted to the detriment of their economic life and prosperity. Time has come when this matter should be looked at in broad-minded manner, prejudices and antagonisms forgotten, and every effort made to dispose finally and definitely of this question. I feel that it can be done, and in an eminently satisfactory and permanent way by division of the territory, especially if Bolivia be given a corridor to the sea at Arica, corridor also to include railway.
Of course, I shall welcome any settlement satisfactory to Chile and Peru, but the argument which has been advanced against neutralization of Tacna-Arica is that it would almost inevitably entail rivalry between Chile and Peru to obtain a dominant position in the neutralized state and it would probably produce future discord and conflict while a division of the territory by which a definite line between the two countries is established would afford the basis for a definite settlement instead of entailing a future rivalry. It is urged that this would be the case even more should a Bolivian corridor exist to separate the two. This corridor might include either the whole of the territory or only a portion of it. Such a solution as this appears to be most statesmanlike and conducive to a settlement of existing difficulties and to establishment of friendly relations between Chile and Peru.
It is my desire, therefore, that at earliest possible moment you speak with President Leguía; without suggesting any definite settlement, set forth the above considerations, but do not give him any note or memorandum, in endeavor to have him accept in principle division of the territory. Time is running against Peru, for extension of period of registration will soon expire; it is imperative, therefore, that you immediately urge the President to accept this solution.
- On May 10 the Secretary informed Ambassador Poindexter that the Chilean Chamber of Deputies had adopted the resolution and requested him to expedite President Legula’s reply to this telegram (file No. 723.2515/2261).↩