and the Standard Oil Company regarding the Oil concessions in Northern Persia. It was suggested by Mr. Broderick that, if it became necessary for either the United States Government or His Majesty's Government to take any action in connection with the Northern Persia concessions, neither Government should take any definite step without first informing the other. Mr. Fletcher and Mr. Dearing both agreed to this as well as to the suggestion that nothing should be done to encourage the Persian Government in the efforts they are undoubtedly making to play off the United States Government against His Majesty's Government. I have the honour to convey to you the sincere thanks of my Government for this undertaking given by Mr. Fletcher. I am to state that Lord Curzon will certainly take no definite step in Oil concession matters in Northern Persia without informing the United States Government, and I am to add that His Lordship is glad to feel that he may expect reciprocity in this matter. Lord Curzon is particularly gratified to learn that the United States Government will not encourage any endeavours on the part of the Persian Government to play off the United States Government against His Majesty's Government. Believe me [etc.] A. C. GEDDES PERU APPOINTMENT OF AN ADMINISTRATOR OF CUSTOMS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF PERU 823.51/179: Telegram The Ambassador in Peru (Gonzales) to the Secretary of State LIMA, June 7, 1921—3 p.m. 45. Foundation Company of New York informs President of Peru group of bankers prepared finance contract that company and other requirements provided Peruvian Government agrees appoint as administrator of customs the nominee for such post by State Department. President Leguia asks me inform Department he accepts condition but desires administrator to be nominated immediately so that he may be functioning in office before loan is made and not appear connected with it. This will obviate wounding sensibilities of those who, whether for political reasons or otherwise, may be sensitive about sovereignty. Then when the loan is being arranged it can be conditioned upon such administrator or his successors, nominated by the Department, remaining in office until the debt is discharged. The President expresses his fullest confidence in the Department's choice and says the powers of such administrator may be made far-reaching. Please refer my despatch number 634, May 16, 1921.1 GONZALES 823.51/185: Telegram The Ambassador in Peru (Gonzales) to the Secretary of State LIMA, August 24, 1921—noon. [Received 3:55 p.m.] 63. My 45, June 7, 3 p. m. President has asked several times if the Department had replied regarding nomination customs administrator. 1 Not printed. GONZALES 823.51/185: Telegram The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Peru (Gonzales) WASHINGTON, September 7, 1921—5 p.m. 44. Your 45, June 7, 3 p.m., and 63, August 24, noon. You may inform the President that after the most careful consideration of the requirements of the position which the Peruvian Government intends to create, the Department takes pleasure in recommending for the post of Administrator of Peruvian Customs, Dr. W. W. Cumberland, whose past experience includes service as Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Minnesota, Economic and Financial Expert on the American Commission to Negotiate Peace, 1919, Financial Expert on the American Military Mission to Armenia, Financial Adviser to the American High Commission in Constantinople, and Foreign Trade Adviser of the Department of State, which latter position Dr. Cumberland is now filling. The Department's recommendation has already been informally conveyed through the Peruvian Ambassador to Señor Fuchs.2 You will understand that Dr. Cumberland cannot commit himself with regard to the acceptance of the post to be created by the Government of Peru, in spite of the attraction of the possibility of service in it, until he ascertains the amount of the compensation that the Government of Peru will offer, and until he is advised just how, in the sense indicated in the last sentence of your telegram number 45, of June 7, 3 p.m., the powers of the Administrator of Customs are to be made far-reaching. It is suggested that authority be given to the Peruvian Ambassador here to take these details up directly with Dr. Cumberland." HUGHES 823.51/190: Telegram The Ambassador in Peru (Gonzales) to the Secretary of State LIMA, September 20, 1921-noon. 70. Your September 17, 6 p. m. Administrator will have power reform present system levying customs duties, to study tariffs and suggest modifications, to recommend appointment of clerks. Except [for] Minister of Finance who is, under the Constitution, responsible to Congress, Administrator will be head of customs, but Fernando Carlos Fuchs Carrera, former Secretary of the Treasury. 'Not printed. 115367-36-vol. II- 42 he will be practically the head as he will meet with President in conference each week. If under developing New York plan a bank is organized here Administrator may sit as director if desired. Salary $16,000 gold. 823.51/190: Telegram GONZALES The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Peru (Gonzales) WASHINGTON, September 22, 1921—6 p.m. 48. Your 70, September 20, noon. General conditions outlined satisfactory to Dr. Cumberland. Please cable whether Peruvian Ambassador will be empowered by cable to discuss details and sign contract. HUGHES 823.51/191: Telegram The Ambassador in Peru (Gonzales) to the Secretary of State LIMA, September 23, 1921-2 p.m. [Received 5:15 p.m.] 71. Your 48, September 22, 6 p. m. Cable instructions to Peruvian Ambassador to sign contract going forward tomorrow. GONZALES 823.51/191: Telegram The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Peru (Gonzales) [Paraphrase] WASHINGTON, October 7, 1921—6 p.m. 50. Your 71, September 23, 2 p. m. Cumberland has given draft of contract to Peruvian Ambassador who has cabled the important features to his Government and has requested instructions. If the contract is approved, discreetly suggest to the President that the Ambassador be authorized to sign immediately. 823.51/196 HUGHES The Administrator of Customs for Peru (Cumberland) to the Secretary of State WASHINGTON, October 31, 1921. SIR: I take pleasure in transmitting herewith for the records of the Department a copy of a contract which was signed on October 28. 1921, between Ambassador Pezet, acting for the Republic of Peru, and myself, under the terms of which I shall assume the duties of Administrator of Customs for Peru. Very truly yours, [Enclosure] W. W. CUMBERLAND Contract between the Republic of Peru and William W. This Contract, made this twenty-eighth day of October, in the year A. D. 1921, by and between the Government of the Republic of Peru, acting through its duly authorized agent, His Excellency Senor Don Federico Alfonso Pezet, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Peru in charge of the Embassy of Peru in Washington in the District of Columbia, United States of America, and William Wilson Cumberland, a resident of the City of Washington, and a citizen of the District of Columbia of the United States of America, Witnesseth, That: WHEREAS, by a law of October, 1921, the President of Peru has been authorized to appoint an Administrator of Customs of the Republic of Peru, this law reading as follows: "ARTICLE I. "The Executive is hereby authorized to make the reforms it may deem necessary in the organization, regulation and procedure affecting the Customs so as to simplify and accelerate its operations and improve the service. To this effect the Executive may engage in a foreign country an adequate and proper personnel to direct matters relating to the Customs Service. "ARTICLE II. 66 For the effects that this authorization and the reforms may occasion the Executive will dispose of the sums fixed in the General Budget of the Republic assigned to the Customs service and if these funds should not be sufficient a supplementary credit will be opened for the sum that may be considered indispensable to cover such "The use made of this authorization will be referred to Congress at its next ordinary session." WHEREAS, The Government of the Republic of Peru has requested the Honorable the Secretary of State of the United States of America to nominate a properly qualified Financial Expert to serve as Administrator of Customs of the Republic of Peru, and WHEREAS, the Honorable the Secretary of State has suggested William Wilson Cumberland as a suitable person to serve as the said Administrator of Customs of the Republic of Peru, and |