File No. 723.2515/194.
The Acting Secretary of State to the American Minister to Peru.
Washington, November 18, 1910.
On November 10 the Peruvian Minister handed to the Secretary of State a telegram from his Foreign Office dated Lima, November 5, 1910, in which it was stated that some friction exists between Bolivia and Peru regarding the interpretation of the boundary protocol of September 17, 1909, Bolivia contending under Chilean influence that Peru should evacuate the upper waters of the Manuripe. The telegram states that a detailed report is being mailed; that the American Minister at Lima has also been informed in regard thereto; that a Chilean member of Congress, Mr. Alfonso, at present at Lima, has suggested the idea of reaching an understanding on the Tacna-Arica controversy.
In view of the attitude of Bolivia, Peru desires to know, without delay and openly and explicitly, what aid she may expect from the United States in regard to the Tacna-Arica question in order to frame her action.
On being shown this telegram the Secretary of State merely expressed the hope that Chile and Peru might be able to find a basis for settlement consistent with their national honor and interests. The Peruvian Minister desired to know if he might inform his Government, to which the Secretary assented.
Repeat for confidential information to Quito and Santiago, directing Santiago to repeat likewise to Buenos Aires and Petropolis.