The Secretary of State to Ambassador Dudley.
Washington, June 1, 1910.
Inform Baron Rio Branco that I heartily concur in his suggestions as reported in your May 30, and that when Ecuador and Peru shall have complied with the first condition, to “withdraw their forces from the frontier, suspend mobilization and other measures of preparation for war and await eventualities,” the Government of the United States will be happy to join in recommending as the next step reciprocal expressions of regret through simultaneous exchange of notes or preferably a protocol, since this Government will then consider the condition of mediation for that particular purpose to be satisfied.
As for negotiations through the mediation of the three powers upon the boundary question, if such mediation ultimately comes about through the eventuality of its being definitively determined that there is to be no award, or else through the eventuality of an award followed by difficulties, it is the view of this Government that such eventual mediation should be carried on at one of three capitals, and you will not fail to assure Baron Rio Branco of my appreciation of his excellency’s courteous suggestion that Washington be in such event selected.
If Peru and Ecuador fulfill on June 4 the first condition then it will seem advisable to the Government of the United States that in order to simplify the application of the tripartite good offices in the negotiation of the protocol of apology, or as to any other matters which may properly arise even in advance of the possible ultimate mediation in the boundary question, one of the three capitals should be selected where the three Governments could make joint representations to the representatives of Peru and Ecuador there accredited.
Repeat your telegram and this reply to the legation at Buenos Aires for its information.