721.23/1755: Telegram
The Ambassador in Peru (Dearing) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 21—2:15 a.m.]
150. 1. My 149.83 Embassy learns on apparently trustworthy authority that only one change has been made in the League’s proposals with reference to the Benavides–Lopez agreement and that Olaya has agreed that the League commission to administer Leticia shall take over that territory not as if receiving it from the Colombian Government, thus establishing publicly Colombian sovereignty over the place, but in accord with the declarations which Peru has made from time to time regarding the Salomon-Lozano Treaty.
2. It is explained to the Embassy that this vague statement refers to Peru’s declarations that it regards the Salomon-Lozano Treaty as valid and binding and that thus Colombian sovereignty over Leticia is fully recognized without Colombia being mentioned.
3. It is further explained that Peru desires this in order to save face and that Benavides’ solution will prevent any trickery such as referred to in recent Embassy despatches.
4. This change represents the only concession to the Cerrista policy as maintained by Sánchez Cerro, Manzanilla and the Comercio.
5. The Congress is in session since 5 this afternoon for the purpose of approving of the Benavides–Lopez agreement. Embassy is informed Benavides counts upon receiving a majority vote and has informed Lopez he would not have submitted the matter to Congress unless he were sure he could get approval.
6. Embassy also informed Lopez and Benavides have agreed upon the withdrawal of military forces to their respective homelands as soon as possible.