Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 2, 1913

File No. 723.2515/194.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Peru to the Peruvian Minister at Washington.¹

Foreign Office,
Lima, November 5, 1910.

[Telegram left at the Department of State by the Peruvian Minister on November 10, 1910.]

1. Under the pretext of an unwarrantable interpretation of the words “barraca Illampú” (the Illampú rubber settlement) contained in the protocol signed on September 17, 1909, Bolivia is endeavoring to create a serious international incident, by insisting that we evacuate the upper waters of the Manuripe. We suspect Chilean influence to be in action.

2. I am forwarding you by mail a detailed memorandum on the antecedents of this question and have also informed thereon the American Minister at Lima.

3. A Chilean member of Congress, Mr. Alfonso, is now at Lima and has suggested the idea of reaching an understanding on the Tacna-Arica controversy.

4. In view of the danger coming from Bolivia, it is necessary for us to know without delay and in an open and explicit form what aid we can expect from the Government of the United States in regard to the Tacna-Arica question, so that we may adopt the proper attitude according to the advice we receive. I wish you to ask this advice directly from the Secretary of State.

Porras.

1. Sent also to the Governments of Argentina and Brazil; see, post, Mr. Combs’ No. 435 of November 21. As to the response by the Department of State, see, post, the Department’s November 18 to the American Minister to Peru.