The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1925-12-02
CHILE APPEALS
To LEAGUE ON
BOUNDARY
Conduct of Pershing In Tacna-
africa Dispute May Lead
to Complications
By GEORGE r. HOLMES

BY GEORGE II. HOLMES
The action of Chile in filing with
the League of Nations a protest
against General John ]. Pershing $
conduct of the arbitration proceed
ings i'm the Tacna-Arica boundary
dispute both surprised and dis
concerted Administration officials
here today.
Because of the deIicacy of the
situation, comment was withheld,
but it was apparent that officials
were distinctly displeased over
Chile's action. It constituted a
direct affront to the Pershing Mis-
sion, and indirectly to the American
Government, which sent General
Pershing to South America at the
request Of both Chile and Peru.
While Chile's purpose in appeal
ing to the league was not made
clear by any Chilean statesmen,
little doubt was expressed that the
memorandum filed at Geneva is
intended to pave the way for a
direct appeal for league intervenE
ton should the Pershing AWARD
not be entirely to Chile's liking-a4
is probable.
bers Of the league. The United
States il not.
Matter Is Delicate.
Should the league take official
cognizance Of the Chilean protest,
and endeavor to intercede in the
matter 1t would provide an inter
esting dilemma for President Cool
idge. A decision would have to be
made as to whether the United
States would wash its hands Of the
matter and let the league butt in"
in South American affairs, with the
unacceptable involution of the Mon
roe Doctrine. or whether the United
States would inform the league to
keep hands off.
Any such decision probably would
be az embarrassing for the league
as IL would be for the Coolidge Ad-
ministra ton.
General Pershing In receiving
quiet hut whole.hearted support
from Washington in his well-nigh
impossible task Of pleasing both
Chile and Peru in the adjustment
of the ancient boundary dispute.
Charges made directly and In
directly by Chile attacking the fair
ness OF his methods have been re-
ceived with scant credence, put
with marked attention. by officials
here. Because Of the delicacy OF
the situation. the state Department
has been proceeding cautiously. but
American Indignation over chile's
attitude has been near the surface
on several occasions.
Intervention Invited
American intervention in this
dispute was invited by both Chile
and Peru They appealed Jointly
to President Coolidge to make an
award, and it was on that basis
that the American government,
with some reluctance. stepped in.
Both hound themselves in advance
to accept the award, whatever 1t
should be.
President Coolidge thereupon de-
cided that a plebiscite should be
held in the disputed territory to
determine it's sovereignty. and Gen
eral Pershing and a number of as
supervise it's fairness.
had General Pershing required
withdrawal Of the Chilean military
which. Peru charged, had been con
sistently driving Peruvian voters
out Of the territory and intimida.-
ing those who dared remain.
Chile. over a period of several
months, has ''bucked' the gen
erals policies. but he has steadily
| pursued his course.
The appeal TO the league is re-
| garded here as a preliminary move
to ultimate Chilean rejection of the
award, whatever it may he.