723.2515/2276: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Peru (Poindexter)
49. Your No. 56, May 11, 6 p.m. If I understood President Leguía’s proposal, it is as follows:
- 1.
- Give Chile territory south of the Quebrada-Vitor line;
- 2.
- Provide corridor for Bolivia southern boundary of which will be Quebrada-Vitor line and northern boundary of which would run parallel to and include Arica-La Paz railway from point just to east of Arica city as far as Bolivian boundary, the corridor therefor not to include within it Arica city;
- 3.
- Give Peru all territory north of corridor as thus defined.
What disposition is thought of for Arica city?
Details of an arrangement along foregoing lines can hardly, at this time, be worked out in advance. Important thing is to reach a general basis for negotiations. In view of President Leguía’s proposal, looking at it in its broad outlines, will he not immediately instruct his Plenipotentiary in pending negotiations here to accept in principle, as basis of adjustment, plan of a Bolivian corridor with remaining areas to north and south of it going respectively to Peru and Chile, leaving all details of boundaries, compensation, etc., for discussion in the negotiations?
So that there may be no misunderstanding, it would be helpful if President Leguía could give you a memorandum. It is very important that I have your reply at the earliest possible moment. I think it extremely doubtful that Chile could eventually be persuaded to adopt solution by which she would give up city of Arica to Peru, although she might hand it over to Bolivia or even consent to have it neutralized. Very likely the Morro could be neutralized or could be set apart as an international memorial.