033.1110 Wallace, Henry A./266
The Ambassador in Peru (Norweb) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 28.]
Sir: I have the honor to transmit a memorandum of a conversation31 between Dr. Alberto Salomón32 and Mr. Butler, First Secretary of Embassy, regarding the tour of workmen’s districts in Lima made by Vice President Wallace and Mr. Laurence Duggan in company with Dr. Salomón.
When the question of this tour arose, Mr. Butler consulted Dr. Salomón with respect to the best way of making the necessary arrangements. It seemed desirable not to have a Government official act as guide. Dr. Salomón was known as a man of liberal and humanitarian sentiments. He has held no public office in Peru for about twelve years. Dr. Salomón immediately volunteered to act as guide himself, and informed Mr. Butler that he would tell President Prado of what he intended to do so that there could be no charge of acting behind the Government’s back. Arrangements were made on this basis.
Dr. Salomón is enthusiastic in his admiration of Vice President Wallace. In summary, he believes that the interest shown by Mr. Wallace in workmen and in the way they live, in foodlines, wages, [Page 72] and working conditions, will disturb President Prado to some extent and will be resented by vested interests which are primarily responsible for existing conditions. However, he is convinced that the long range result of the interest shown by Vice President Wallace in these matters will be of benefit not only to the people of Peru but to the Prado Administration. As set forth in the memorandum, Dr. Salomón believes that there have been immediate measures taken as a result of his account to President Prado of what Mr. Wallace saw.
Dr. Salomón further stated that he is sure that Mr. Wallace must be convinced that the basic freedoms for the common people, which mean so much to the Vice President, do not exist in Peru. He said that he regrets this as a Peruvian since it is not to Peru’s credit, but that it is best to face the facts and tell the truth so that the situation may be remedied.
Respectfully yours,