The Washington times., 1902-04-14

evidence of the exclusive right alleged
without any jurisdiction should be
reached.
Tambopata River.
But, very far from this, when your ex-
cellency recalls that the Government OF
Peru. notwiths landing the force and reach
attributed to clause q of the treaty,
granted administrative concessions on the
left side of the Tambopata River, which
Bolivia always considered and considers
today to belong to it absolutely, practi-
cally recognizes as inadmissible the con-
ception of perpetual and unlimited sus-
pension; this. supposing that it existed
before. referring to possessions and not
only to limits, as expressed by the ext of
the treaty, fixing the true sense of the ar
gument.
ii is but just to recall at this point that
although Bolivia always accompanied its
pretensioRs OF sovereign dominion with
the frank exposition Of the titles on which
ii founded its right, Peru. on the contrary.
in every occasion, manifested that il lid
not consider opportune the exhibition of
the evidence Of the right alleged to have
on its side.
In this situation. would it Re just 20 ex-
act that the government which presents
the titles that prove its right ard has
the full consciousness Of having it, resign
itself to stop every iurisdctional action
and remain perpetuaily silent before The
simple manifestation of an eXigence not
proved by any evidence?
Essence of Justice.
do not doubt that the essence of jus
tice of these considerations will have
weight in your just and clear mind. Mr.
Minister.
l hope that your excellency will allow
me 10 add one more consideration upon
which it is not possible longer TO keep
silence
The basis and the principal part of the
contract concluded with Mr.. Whitridge
refers to the territory and custom
houses of the Acre River. and the protest
of the Peruvian Government refers also
to that region appertaining exclusively to
Bolivia.
1t is not long since a group of adven-
turers took possession by force of that
territory, proclaiming its independence.
The Government of Peru remained then
tranquil and Indifferent before that I'M
usual situation. and in face OF the usur-
patton of the territory which it says now
it considers as its own.
But Bolivia. on its part, sent assistance
to the place OF danger and usurpation,
and at the expense OF great sacrifices OBJ
tanned again the sovereignty OF the terri
tory which had been so shamefully seized.
Defense OF Region.
Consequently, the defense of that region
has not cost Peru one cent of it's national
resources. nor an effort. nor a drop of its
sons blood. On the contrary, Bolivia ex-
pended its money and engaged in the
greatest hardships OF the campaigns. sac
riicing in the struggle hundreds Of lives
of its courageous soldiers. who strove to
get the laurels of victory, as wen as for
the conquest OF respect for the Bolivian
sovereignty on the Acre River
And shall it be just, after recovering
the control of that region from strange
hands, by the exclusive effort and the
sacrifices Of Boliva's people. the Govern
ment OF Peru shall claim a right OF prop
erty in those territories? Is even its ac-
tual opposition against the administrative
action for giving them help and promoting
its development and prosperity just?
Possess Old Titles.
do not find it necessary. Mr.. Minis
ter to add a word more on behalf of the
right that Bolivia posses
SeS upon lnoSe territories, "hi'H pelohs
TO it according to cid titles which legiti-
mate its dominion and on account of the
heroic sacrifices of its sons who knew
how to maintain its rights.
/ acknowledge, Mr.. Minister, the pro-
test that. in the name of the Peruvian
you have presented and hav-
ing the hope that your clear intelligence
shall know how TO weigh the just rea-
sons have briefly expressed and with the
firm conviction that these transitory in
cidents will be unable to alter in the
slightest degree the sincere cordially of
he relations that unite our two peoples,
am pleased to offer 10 you once more the
assurances of my distinguished and par
ticuIar consideration.
FEDERICO DIEZ DE MEDINA,
To II F.. Mr. Felipe de Osma, +. +. and |
Minister Plenpotentary to Peru.