723.2515/445: Telegram
The Ambassador in Chile ( Shea ) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received 6.28 p.m.]
Department’s February 21, 5 p.m. My January 15, 4 p.m.48 Hale, in employ of Naval Attaché this Embassy, has recently returned from northern districts and has reported in full concerning situation there. Hale’s report concurs with my former reports in that case. The trouble there is principally traceable to acute labor situation caused by scarcity of labor [work?] in nitrate fields. We find the principal offenders against the Peruvians seem to be comprised in the Liga Patriotica, a semi-responsible and unofficial organization. Hale reports that at the beginning of the troubles there is little doubt that the Peruvians were badly treated and almost universally threatened. He adds, however, that now the situation has been taken seriously in hand by the Chilean authorities and that no harm has been recently done to Peruvians. Edwards, formerly Intendente in Punta Arenas, has been sent to nitrate districts and with other newly appointed officials is, I understand, keeping order. A full report on the situation49 was mailed by the last pouch which left February 19. Complying with Department’s instruction I shall again confer with the Minister for Foreign Affairs when I see him at Valparaiso Friday or Saturday.