723.2515/2438: Telegram
The Consul at Arica (Von Tresckow) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 13—5:32 a.m.]
From Lassiter. Department’s June 12, 1 p.m. The indications are that Chile will withdraw on ground that Commission has no legal right to terminate plebiscite. In that event there will not be any appeal. From your cable am I to understand that no further action will be required of Plebiscitary Commission and that it should adjourn sine die? Does not Arbitrator intend to express his approval or disapproval of Commission’s action, and is no final statement to be made of result of proceedings?
If Arbitrator does intend to act, then I should think that full statement of entire history of case together with supporting documents would have to be prepared for his use, and for this purpose the records and the personnel needed to work up the case would have to be sent to Washington. I had thought that the men whom I would send in charge of the delegation’s records could do this work. Assuredly, if any report worthy of the name is wanted, it will have to be prepared in Washington as personnel could not do it here; but if Arbitrator does not intend to pass on matter, then presumably it will be enough merely to send minutes and other documents of Commission and records of delegation in care of secretary general to Washington, for all personnel, including Commissioners, will cease to function.
Some months will be required for the disbursing officer to close his accounts and someone will have to audit and approve them and see that funds on hand are properly distributed. Please cable me at once, as it is indispensable that I know your views on foregoing before Monday morning. Lassiter.