The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1901-12-13
OFFERS ITS
GOOD OFFICES
To REPUBLICS
Chile Ready to Accept,
but Argentina Re
fuses Intervention.
Representatives Of Roth Ma
tions Profess to Be in
Hopeful Mood.
Nevertheless the Santiago Govern
ment Fears Conflict, and Seeks
to Buy Warships in This
Country.
Special Dispatch to The Call.


CALL BUREAU. 14o6 G STREET. N.
W., WASHINGTON, Dec 12.-Chile has
formally expressed to the United States
her willingness that this Government
peace in South America.
Secretary Hay has cabled Minister Lord
at Buenos Ayres directing him to ac-
quaint the Argentine Government with
Chiles attitude and to say that under the
policy uniformly pursued by the United
States, it never tenders an offer of medi-
alton unless assured in advance that it
will be accepted.
There is authority for the statement
that Argentine will decline to permit the
Intervention of the United States.
This briefly is the diplomatic situation
so far as the United States is concerned.
AS to the condition of affairs at this
moment between Argentine and Chile
Senior Garcia Merou, the Argentine Minis
ter here, has received this dispatch from
the Minister for Foreign Affairs at Buenos
Ayres:
Argentine Is Hopeful.
AT the present moment there is no
reason for alarm. Argentine hopes that
the Government of Chile will accept the
just claims made by the Argentine re-
public in the matter of the construction
by Chile of roads in territory submitted
to arbitration. Argentine thinks that the
actual spirit of Chile is it ought to be,
friendly and conciliatory."
Whether peace shall be preserved or
war declared will depend upon confer
ence which will be held tomorrow in
Santiago by the Chilean Minister for For
eign Affairs and the Argentine Minister.
The latter has been fully advised of the
attitude of Argentine. She proposes to
obtain from Chile full explanation and
strong assurances that the construction
of roads shall not continue. or it is said
she will withdraw her Minister. This
would be a rupture of diplomatic rela-
tons and would greatly lessen the
chances of an amcable settlement.
Merou insists that Argentine is fully
justified in observing the attitude she has
adopted, but he is confident that there
will be an amicable outcome.
Infante, Chilean Charge d'Affaires, like
wise believes that the peace of South
America will not be broken, and he re-
CARDS Chiles announcement that she will
willingly accept the good Offices of the
United States as a complete refutation of
the charge that Chile is endeavoring to
provoke war and is acting aggressively
toward her neighbor.
Efforts to Preserve Peace.
Every effort consistent with American
dignity will be made by Secretary Hay to
preserve the peace. 1t was in accordance
with instructions made to him that Minis
ter Wilson approached Chile, and it was
in response to this suggestion that the
Chilean Government indicated willing
ness to accept the good offices of the
United States.
Argentine has not replied to the init
nation made through Minister Lord that
this Government is prepared to mediate
If both parties to the dispute ask it. 1t
will be something of a surprise to the
administration to learn that Argentine IS
not disposed to permit the Intervention
of this or any other country Argentine
holds that the dispute between herself
and Chile is easy of adjustment If ap-
preached in a proper spirit, and she sees
no reason for foreign Intervention. Chile
is absolutely without a friend in South
America, while Bolivia and Peru are pre-
pared to lend military and Uruguay and
Paraguay their moral support to Argen-
tine.
Chile Seeking Warships.
Although she is reported to be making
the effort. Chile will not be allowed 10
purchase American warships' now in the
possession of the Government or under
construction at private shipyards.
Information reached the Navy DEPART
ment to-day indicating that Chile was
endeavoring to increase her fleet by Sc
curing warships in this country. No pro-
posal has been made to Secretary Long
nv the Chilean Government or any Chi
lean agent. If it were, it would be re-
iected. The United States has no inten-
ton of selling any of its vessels or of
aiding one South American republic in
was pointed out tonight that if this Gov
eminent were to sell a warship to Chile
or were to even permit a contractor who
ia building warships for the United States
TO dispose of vessels to the Santiago Gov
eminent, Argentine would draw the nat
ural inference that the United States was
supporting her enemy. This would be an
unfortunate impression to create, and one
which would seriously affect the future