723.2515/2408: Telegram
The Ambassador in Chile (Collier) to the Secretary of State
197. Announcement appears in press that you have given Chile only until Monday to come to decision, and that Chilean Government has asked to be given until Wednesday. I hasten to say that while delay should not be permitted, they should have until Wednesday at least if they express desire for it. For us to fix too short time limit will be regarded as pressure and will arouse stubborn response. Conditions here, moreover, necessitate consulting not only Foreign Affairs Committees of both Senate and Deputies but also the presidents of all eight political parties. Today and tomorrow will be devoted to that effort. A successor must also be found for Mathieu, who at present is greatest obstacle as he opposes corridor plan and asserts that he wishes to cede both provinces to Bolivia. Everyone else has abandoned this plan, for reliable information has it that the Minister of War announced in Cabinet session that cession of Arica would result immediately in revolution.
Bolivian Minister has just called on me and requested me to telegraph you that, in his opinion, Bolivia would not be content with a corridor. I told him that I would not telegraph you; that you had not [Page 468] conversed on matter with Bolivian Minister: at Washington as both the litigation and the good offices were restricted to Chile and Peru; and that to admit Bolivia would destroy legal structure now existing and would undermine the good offices. Minister told me he had good reason for belief that Peru would sell both provinces to Bolivia and that this was thought to be best solution by many prominent Chileans. I replied that that statement was good up to 4 or 5 days ago, but that everyone had abandoned idea since Minister of War’s statement previously referred to. I said that my opinion was that Bolivia’s only chance ever to get an outlet to the sea was the acceptance of the present proposition. Minister left me apparently well satisfied and convinced of truth of what I had said. …
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There is no certainty your proposition will be accepted, but chances are that four-fifths of intelligent people approve it. The Government’s hesitancy is chiefly due to fear of revolution and to activities of Edwards’ followers. It must have a little time. Remember that less than month ago both Senate and Deputies were practically unanimous in demanding termination of good offices. I believe that now a majority of both chambers would approve your plan if Government were to recommend it.
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