723.2515/3394
Press Release Issued by the Department of State, May 17, 1929
The President is happy to be able to announce an agreement between the Governments of Chile and Peru relative to the nearly half century old question of Tacna-Arica.
As a result of the high statesmanship and lofty ideals of the Presidents and Governments of Chile and Peru, diplomatic relations were renewed between those countries last September at the suggestion of the Secretary of State, and rapid progress toward a settlement satisfactory to both was made. However, when the President, as President-elect, visited Peru and Chile last December he was advised of the difficulties of a definitive settlement and gladly consented to lend any proper assistance, upon assuming office, with a view to bring about, if happily it might be, a final agreement between the parties.
Accordingly, on May 14, the President, not as Arbitrator but in the exercise of good offices at the request of the parties, transmitted to the Presidents of Peru and Chile, through the American Ambassadors at Lima and Santiago, a proposal suggesting the final bases of a settlement. This proposal was presented to the two Governments on May 15 and was immediately accepted by them.