File No. 723.2515/265.
The American Minister to Chile to the Secretary of State.
Santiago, Chile, November 27, 1911.
Sir: Confirming my telegram of the 22d instant, and continuing the subject matter of my despatch No. 148 of November 14, I have the honor to inclose the text and translation of the decree1 issued by the President on November 21 last, extending the law of obligatory military service to the Province of Tacna (which includes also Arica).
The decree, it will be noticed, refers in the preamble to “Chilean” citizens, but the question will immediately arise as to whether persons of military age, born in the Province of Peruvian parentage, are embraced. In the press the claim has frequently been made that all persons born in this Province since the Chilean occupation are, under international law and the laws of this country, Chilean citizens. I can not certainly predict what attitude this Government will take in this respect in the enforcement of the decree, but it seems to form an essential part of their plan to Chileanize this region. Whether persons of military age born in the Province of Peruvian parents since the occupation shall be called upon or not, this mere possibility will no doubt induce a considerable exodus of this class from Tacna and Arica before the time fixed for the execution of the decree, viz, January next, and the desired “Chileanization” will be advanced pro tanto.
[Page 1214]The Department can readily see how a rigorous enforcement of this decree may further complicate and embitter the present, unfortunate relations between Chile and Peru.
As I reported by telegraph on November 22, there were fears of another anti-Peruvian outbreak in Iquique at the beginning of last week. It seems that the Chilean laborers, incited thereto by the Patriotic League which was responsible for the riots there last May, went in a’ body to the various industrial establishments where Peruvians were employed and demanded their dismissal. There was, however, no violence. The intendente acted promptly and energetically. The Government ordered two regiments to return to Iquique from Tacna and instructed the intendente to endeavor to disband the league. The newspapers today state that the intendente called the leaders before him, delivered the message of the Government, and that they agreed to disband the league. It is impossible to judge how far the Government sympathizes with the anti-Peruvian propaganda which seems to be in progress in the north of Chile. The elections are approaching and this fact may explain the want of stronger and more repressive action. On the other hand, labor is scarce in the nitrate fields and the Peruvians must be depended upon, and the fear of crippling this industry undoubtedly explains the prompt measures recently taken by the Government in Iquique to stop the agitation.
The demonstrations which have taken place in Tarapacá, though undoubtedly a phase of the general anti-Peruvian sentiment in the country, is not in my opinion directly connected with the apparent policy of the Government to Chileanize Tacna-Arica. While certain prominent politicians or groups probably used this sentiment in furtherance of their political ends in Tarapacá, I do not, however, believe the Government as such was implicated. The present Government, it must be borne in mind, is made up of a number of elements, and any united positive action is very difficult, but such policy as it may be said to have is directed to the Chileanization of Tacna and Arica. This is apparent in (1) the military occupation of Tacna and the fortification of Arica, (2) the strong line taken by General Solar in Tacna, (3) the renewed efforts to encourage Chilean colonization by advancement of funds for purchase and improvement of land (see clippings), (4) the extension of the law of military service to Tacna, (5) the Walker Martinez project (so far merely a project) for representation of the district in the Chilean Congress. It is possible, also, that the recent loan of £5,000,000 has some connection with this policy. The loose financial methods in vogue here and the ease with which money raised for one purpose may be devoted to another would permit such connection. As I have several times recently reported, Chile seems to have decided to conclude this question gradually and, if possible, peacefully, but definitely and on the basis of Chilean ownership, and whether her acts of ownership and sovereignty be challenged by war or acquiesced in by diplomatic arrangement, a supply of ready cash will be useful to meet the military expenses or pay the indemnity.
Public opinion, as reflected in the press and in public meetings, seems strongly in favor of a conclusion of this old question and may force the Government to move more rapidly than is now their intention. [Page 1215] A large public meeting was held here yesterday in the Municipal Theater under the auspices of the Patriotic Military League for the purpose of organizing a reserve corps, and resolutions were adopted and presented to the President urging the settlement of the frontier question and asking the Government’s support of the reserve movement. The meeting was attended by representative citizens—was dignified and orderly in every respect. The Minister of War and Marine was invited to attend the meeting, but declined, and no members of the Cabinet were present, but the resolutions adopted, which were presented by a committee escorted by a procession composed of those who attended the meeting, were formally received by the President, the Minister of Interior, and the Minister of War and Marine at the Moneda.
I have [etc.]
- Not printed.↩