Evening star., 1925-04-02
i. S. SEES DANGER
IN MEDIATOR ROLE
Officials See Loss of Esteem
Inevitable in TaCna-
africa Row.
BY DAVID LAWRENCE.

America probably will avoid any
more arbitrations like that involved
in the Tacna-Arica dispute. Govern
ment officials realize now that ire
spectIve of the ultimate outcome of
the controversy. the friendship of the
United States for one or the other OF
the principal LATIN American coun-
tries VIII inevitably be impaired for
some time to come.
There was originally another way
out for the United States II was
urged at the time, and now admins
tration officials are wishing it had
been adopted, namely. the submission
Of the dispute to the Permanent Court
Of international Justice at The Hague.
President Harding was loath to
suggest that means, because he felt
the United States could set an exam
pie in helping nations of the western
hemisphere adjust their disputes
Having insisted that America keep
out of Europe, Mr.. Harding was anx-
ious. as was Secretary Hughes. 10
show that the United States could ap-
ply the principle of international com
ity in this hemisphere without A
League of Nations or its instrument
the World Court.
SOOIiuSe inherited Ia>k.
Opinion then as now was divided
as TO the wisdom Of intervening in
any way. except to help the dispu-
tants to reach decision to arbitrate.
The mistake, it is argued, was made
in accepting the role of arbitrator.
The President of the United States
was named, and that's how Mr.. Cool
idge inherited task which. if he had
to decide for himself, he might not
have accepted. Still the award has
been made and the Government here
feels it is a fair and impartial one.
Embarrassment has arisen over
Peru's position. The Peruvian gov
eminent insists that America con-
duct the referendum. placing Ameri-
can forces in the disputed area TO
take charge while Chilean officials
are withdrs wn. 1t is alleged that the
Chileans in possession OF the two
provinces can coerce the voters.
The United States Government ia
not eager TO send marines or an
army to police territory in South
America, even though an election is
a temporary affair. The Washington
Government has done this in Haiti.
Santo Domingo, Cuba and Central
American countries, but dislikes 10
be placed in a similar position with
respect to the larger and more adj
vanced countries Of South America
Plenty Of criticism has been directed
against the United States for super
vising elections charges of imperisl~
ism and domination being frequently
applied TO the policy Of the Washing
ton Government.
Peru Opposes Idea.
Peru doesn't like the referendunl
idea. She wanted the provinces
via 4
expressed in note received by tha
Peruvian embassy here, indicate an
unwillingness to enter the election
unless it is safeguarded by America n
forces. The first communication was
published before il was presented to
the American Government here. Then
extracts were printed tending 10
show that the strong language had
been modified. The Peruvian en-
bassy states that the publication was
not authorized, but, of course, tho
document could come from no othef
source but Peruvian officials here
The first draft which had in it the
strong phrases of protest was cabled
back TO Peru, where no doubt it was
received with approval by the Peru
Wan people for whose consumption iG
was intended. Whether the second
version which actually was presented
to the American Government was
published in Peru is not known, as q
rigid censorship on incoming dis
patches is in effect there.
All in ALL the Government is not
too happy over the dispute and real~
ICES that there are many anxious mo-
ments ahead before the United States
can extricate itself from problem
in which its attitude is solely one OF
disinterestedness and neutrality.
Copyright, 1925)