823.00/311
The Minister in Peru ( McMillin ) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 24.]
Sir: Referring to Department’s telegram of August 28, 4 p.m., concerning the recognition of Augusto B. Leguia as head of the de facto Government, I have the honor to report:
That pending the question of recognition, as reported by me from time to time by cable and despatch, all the Governments represented here were anxious concerning the attitude of the United States, and the time when our Government would recognize President Leguia. Several of them had requested that I notify them when I received instructions to recognize in one form or other the existing Government. The spirit manifested by several of the Governments was such that I felt that this was not an unreasonable request. Therefore, when the above referred to telegram concerning recognition was received, I made known to the representatives of other Governments the action that our Government proposed to take, and wrote a note to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, extending the recognition that I was authorized to make. I delivered this note in person.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs greeted me cordially and expressed a wish for continuance of the friendly relations that have so long existed between Peru and the United States. Two days afterward, he and the Assistant Minister, Mr. Elguera, called on me at the Legation and exhibited every manifestation of cordiality.
I called on President Leguia who was exceedingly cordial and expressed the hope that [the] great development which is inevitable in Peru will be participated in by capitalists of the United States. He is credited with being friendly with all foreigners in Peru, and of being very friendly to foreign enterprises and the introduction of foreign capital.
[Page 736]It is due to say that President Leguia is most cordially greeted and applauded wherever he goes, whether in discharge of public or private functions.
The French Government has recognized the Government and Leguia as President; the English Legation has recognized the de facto Government and Leguia as Provisional President since our recognition was extended.
I send herewith clippings from the Lima press, together with translations, giving an account of this action.12 El Tiempo had a well timed and thoughtfully prepared comment on the recognition of the United States, in which it justified the delay of our Government in the matter of recognition. I send other clippings and translations herewith that the Department may see what the drift of comment and action has been.
As informed by Legation’s telegram,12 Senor Pizarro13 resigned the portfolio of Minister of War, and Colonel Gerardo Alvarez has been appointed Minister of War and Navy. The resignation of General Pizarro was on account of his election to senatorship and the inhibition to hold two offices, under the newly amended Constitution. I am enclosing clippings from La Prensa of September 2, together with translation, concerning this change.12
I am [etc.]