823.30/101: Telegram
The Chargé in Peru (Mayer) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:37 p.m.]
175. Department’s 88, August 26 [25], 5 [6] p.m. United Press representative here received the following press notice yesterday under Washington date line:
“State Department officials in response to inquiries from the press as to what action Department intends to take regarding Grow said that United States would demand that Grow be given a fair, unprejudiced hearing. It was unofficially indicated that in the event that Grow’s life was in danger, Department would make the strongest possible representation. The United States Government’s interest in Grow’s predicament is admittedly greater than would have been the case if he were a civilian as it is stated Grow is still a member of the naval reserve.”
According to this, the Department only desires that the local authorities give Grow a fair hearing whereas according to my instructions above the Department desired me to effect Grow’s release. May I respectfully inquire along which of the two lines the Department desires me to act.