Conto Montero to John A. Logan, December 21, 1882
General Montero to Mr. Logan.
Sir: By the mail which arrived to-day from Bolivia, I have had the honor to receive your interesting communication dated’ in Santiago, the 13th of November last, in which you are pleased to put in my knowledge the terms upon which the Government of Chili is disposed to make peace with Peru, as a result of your mediation, which has induced the abandonment of the exigent terms of the Trescot protocol.
The bases which you communicate to me are these: “First, absolute cession of Tarapaca, as an indemnity of war, Chili paying all the debts of the province legitimately following it, in conformity with the provisions of international law, although she refuses to make any particular stipulation in this respect in the treaty, as having already committed herself to it by various public declarations, she does not deem it necessary; second, the acquisition of Tacna and Arica by purchase, for the sum of 410,000,000 to be paid in three equal annual installments.”
You have full knowledge that his excellency Señor Francisco Garcia Calderon is the provisional President of Peru, and that the undersigned only assumed the supreme command in his quality of Vice-President of the Republic, in consequence of the imprisonment and banishment of the President. Therefore the most natural and expeditious course in my view, would be the discussion of the bases of peace with Señor Calderon, a prisoner in Santiago, and if he rinds them acceptable, he can be restored to his country, when he will resume immediately the exercise of the supreme power. The Republic is unified under the authority of the provisional government, and this latter will not encounter difficulties in the internal policy. The Congress convened for the 15th of March next, far from signifying the cessation of the authority of Señor Calderon, will facilitate the resolution of the pending questions, because the treaty which he celebrates can be submitted to it.
The foregoing considerations absolve me from emitting an opinion upon the bases and observations which you express in your important letter.
I take pleasure in expressing to you my acknowledgment of your persevering efforts in favor of peace, and for the good will which in your personal and official character you are pleased to manifest to me for the best arrangement of the Pacific controversy.
I am, &c.,