723.2515/2308: Telegram
The Consul at Arica (Von Tresckow) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:00 p.m.]
From Lassiter. A series of attacks on Peruvians in Arica took place on night of May 14. Fifteen Peruvians are reported to have been injured. One, a judge of a Peruvian court who is also member of a registration board here was dangerously wounded. The report also states that many Peruvian houses were stoned during the evening. There seems to be no clear reason why the Chileans should have chosen this time for a general demonstration against the Peruvians. Today at meeting of Plebiscitary Commission Freyre protested the outrages vigorously. Edwards frankly deplored what had taken place, but offered no particular excuses. He stated that some of the Chileans participating have been arrested. I am investigating the matter as far as I am able, and I expect to call on Chilean Special Tribunal to act.
This incident is another instance showing the imminent and constant danger under which the Peruvian inhabitants of the territory are living, the brutality with which they are treated, and the complete disadvantage at which they are placed in plebiscitary contest.
- Lassiter
- Von Tresckow