Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-07-14
Chile and Peru Shake Hands,

Resumption after 3 Seventeer-year
breach Of diplomatic relations between
Chile and Peru is naturally interpreted
as the beginning Of another series OF
efforts 70 clear away their long-Stano-
Ing dispute over the sovereignty OF
Tacna and africa, though the names OF
the two provinces are conSpicuouSly alb
sent from diplomatic exchanges so lar
made public. The break between the
two countries occurred over Tacna and
africa. The logical reason for mendns
the break is permanently 10 remove the
issue causing it, for as long as the
issue remains there can be no pern1a-
nent trienolineSS between Chile and
Peru. A satisfactory formula by which
10 dispose Of the question Of sovereignty
Is yet 70 come But the resumption OF
relations Is an essential preliminary,
Secretary Kellogg deserves high praise
for his part in bringing it about.
Int-inSically OF small value, either 10
Peru. which wants them, or TO Chile.
which holds them, the provinces OF
Tacns and africa have long existed as
national issues and emblems OF -Senti-
mentality and emotionaliSm easily
stirred by appeals to patriotic pride.
They have served the evil purpose OF
keeping two neighborly republics at
swords points Of and on for the last
forty-five years. They have been bread
and meat for politicians and crusading
journalists. Tradition rather than
common sense has made them fighting
words and battle songs. In intensely
nstionalistic republics they have been
the burning question, with some one
always ready to replenish the fuel.
One OF the first important acts OF
Mr.. Hughes as Secretary Of State was
his invitation which resulted in the
conference here in 1922 between Chile
and Peru and the later adoption OF
protocol Of arbitration. eventually bring
ing about the choice of President Hard
ing as arbitrator President Coolidge
inherited the title and the delicate
business Of making the award, which
svas handed down in 1925. The award
was interpreted as Chilean victory,
for 1t decided that the question OF per-
naanent sovereignty over the disputed
provinces should be determined by
plebiscite, and Chile. controlling the
provinces, had always wanted a pleoi-
settle. The award provoked high en-
thusiasn IN Chile and correspondingly
deep disappointment in Peru. And with
the die as good as cast, it was impos-
sfhIe TO reach an agreement on the
manner Of conducting the plebiscite'
Alter Gen. Pershing had tried TO effect
such an agreement, Gen. Lassiter MADE
another effort, only to recommend that
the plebiscite be abandoned. the
abandonment caused high enthusiasm
in Peru and correspondingly deep dis
appointment. tinged with bitter resent
uaent. in Chile. The United States. IN
the role of peacemaker, found good rea-
son TO understand the hazardous dim
Guilty of such a part. Uncle Sam was
YoiindIy denounced in Chile. Critics
throughout Latin America ana europe
undertook some rather vicious and sar-
castle sniping because of the arbitra-
tors failure successfully 70 arnitrate.
bitterness. first in Peru over the AWARD
ard later in Chile over failure 10 carry
out the plebiscite. reopened and MADE
wxider the breach which this country
had sought 10 close.
The United States made one more at
tempt, n November of 1925. 70 BRING
about an agreement By suggesting mat
the disputed territories be voluntarily
coded by Chile and Peru 10 Bolivia,
sith adequate compensation. BOLIVIA
was enthusiastic, Chile was willing. put
Peru declined.
After a two-year cooling-oh period
Secretary Kellogg has been able mate
rally 70 assist in bringing the repuo-
gics back 10 friendly and workable
footing. re-ests bliShing diplomatic rela-
aions after break Of seventeen years
ssznding. This in itself Is no small
accomplishment. Il would be crown
ing achievement TO Secretary Kellogg S
administration for him 70 see, before
March 4 next, the Republics OF ChiIe
and Peru in friendly accord and the
one remaining threat 70 continued
peace in South America thrown out
and into the discard, where II belongs.
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