723.2515/2087: Telegram
The Consul at Arica (Von Tresckow) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 2—8:43 a.m.]
From Lassiter. Your telegram April 1, 10 a.m. I have cabled you several times (see my cables of March 27) that Peru is not taking any part in the registration proceedings. On the first day of registration, March 27, Peruvian members of registration boards were withdrawn, and no Peruvians are registering. The reasons given by Freyre are that he is observing the undertaking of the Government of Peru that during the consideration of any adjustment other than celebration of a plebiscite, the plebiscitary proceedings should be suspended. Peru’s failure to participate in registration is not on ground that conditions are unsuitable but that she is complying with request of our Government to cooperate in suspending plebiscitary proceedings during negotiations under good offices. Peru is now awaiting next move from Department of State, and Freyre says that they will withdraw if complete suspension is not granted. Indications here are very convincing that Chilean Government has absolutely no intention of suspending proceedings and as Chilean and American members of the registration boards are functioning, Chilean voters are being registered at rate of 200 a day. Lassiter.