723.2515/2067: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Arica (Von Tresckow)
For Lassiter. Your March 27, noon. Our proposition to Chile for good offices, which was accepted, is as follows: “I am instructed by the [Page 359] Secretary of State to inquire whether the Government of Chile would be disposed to avail itself of the good offices of the United States in an endeavor to arrive at a friendly adjustment of the existing differences with Peru concerning the provinces of Tacna and Arica, it being understood that pending the consideration of any adjustment other than by the celebration of a plebiscite the authority of the Plebiscitary Commission and the general arrangement made by it for the holding of a plebiscite under the terms of the award shall be maintained unimpaired.” In Chile’s reply she stated that she accepted the good offices “with the understanding that the proceedings or steps taken in the exercise of such good offices will not impede the plebiscitary proceedings, as was set forth in the memorandum which Your Excellency was good enough to deliver to me”. Chile claims we have no right under this to suspend the proceedings without her consent and I think there is very serious question whether we have such a right. In any event, the abandonment of the plebiscite at this time and the failure to continue with the registration will cause us the utmost embarrassment and is liable to prove prejudicial to all plans for settlement under consideration. It is clear under the Award that a majority of each registration board may act and that one side withdrawing cannot prevent the board from functioning. Have shown your last message March 27, Noon, to the Arbitrator and it is his desire that you should go ahead with the registration at present and if necessary he will make an order to that effect. I hope you will not oblige him to do so.