810.79611 Pan American Airways, Inc./650: Telegram
The Chargé in Peru (Mayer) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:25 p.m.]
171. Your 89, September 13, 5 p.m.
(1) I called on President Leguía yesterday and reviewed the efforts which Scadta, Latécoère, et al., were making in opposition to the American aviation company with which he had concluded a mail contract. See my 169, September 9, 2 p.m., paragraph 2.39 I felt it was timely to make this call.
President Leguía said that he had also been informed by Santiago of the meeting of the Chilean Director General of Aviation and various commercial aviation companies planned to take place on September 25; that he had stated that while he had no objection to the meeting taking place at Lima there could be no question of the Peruvian Government’s participation because of its existing aviation commitments. President Leguía said to me that he would maintain this attitude and would keep me informed of any further developments respecting the proposed conference.
[Page 587](2) I do not doubt the sincerity of his attitude toward our aviation interests in Peru, but I foresee strong probability that considerable pressure will be brought to bear upon him during the conference. I am frankly apprehensive of its influence despite every best intention. It is therefore a very psychological moment for Colonel Lindbergh to come to Peru not only for the favorable effect his coming would have generally on American aviation interests in Peru, but also for the support which it would give President Leguía at a time when opposition to American interests will be concentrated at Lima.
Parenthetically, I think it would be unfortunate if Colonel Lindbergh should again visit Colombia, the stronghold of Scadta, and not visit Peru where our interests have been so consistently seconded by President Leguía.
(3) I most strongly recommend to the Department that Colonel Lindbergh come to Peru directly after he concludes his inspection trip to Paramaribo.
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