Republic of Peru

Independence and the Confederal Experiment

Peru declared independence from Spain in 1821, but the political organization of the new state continued to change. In 1836, Andrés de Santa Cruz established the Peru–Bolivian Confederation, consisting of North Peru, South Peru, and Bolivia, with common arrangements for external communications. It lasted until 1839. [1] [9]

Recognition and a Peruvian Legation

The United States recognized Peru in 1826, and diplomatic relations began in 1827 when James Cooley presented his credentials in Lima. The first decades of contact centered on commerce, shipping, and claims arising from the independence wars. An agreement on outstanding claims followed in 1841, and Peru appointed Joaquín José de Osma as minister plenipotentiary to the United States in 1846. [1] [2] [3]

The mission later acquired ambassadorial standing. By December 1919, Federico Alfonso Pezet was corresponding from Washington as Peru's appointed ambassador, transmitting President Augusto B. Leguía's announcement that he had taken executive office and seeking American acceptance of the new government. [4]

An Embassy and a Special Delegation

Washington became a negotiating venue for Peru's dispute with Chile over Tacna and Arica in 1922. Pezet worked alongside special delegates Melitón Porras and Hernán Velarde. A June meeting with Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes exposed disagreements over the meaning of American proposals, particularly whether a failed plebiscite would lead to arbitration or direct negotiations. The distinction mattered to Peru because Chile remained in possession of the territory. The resident ambassador translated and relayed proposals while the special delegation negotiated the settlement's terms. [5]

The protocol signed in Washington on 20 July 1922 submitted the unresolved provisions of the Treaty of Ancón to the arbitration of the United States president. It assigned the exchange of ratifications to the diplomatic representatives of Peru and Chile in Washington. The supplementary act distinguished arbitration over a plebiscite from later negotiations and possible American good offices. [6]

Expropriation and Border Negotiations

General Juan Velasco Alvarado’s government, which seized power in October 1968, expropriated the International Petroleum Company’s installations within days of the coup. American officials reviewed assistance and considered statutory penalties if Peru failed to compensate the company. [11]

In October 1998, Peru and Ecuador concluded an agreement in Brasília ending their border dispute. The United States worked with Argentina, Brazil, and Chile as guarantors, supporting negotiations and military observers who monitored the ceasefire. [12]

Adapting a Diplomatic House

Peru acquired the Wilkins House at 1700 Massachusetts Avenue from Australia by a deed dated 31 January 1973. The building had begun as a private residence, completed in 1910, and had served Australia from 1947. Its domestic rooms had already been partitioned for office use before Peru undertook renovations. Peru had separately acquired its Garrison Street ambassadorial residence in 1944. [7] [8]

Changing Governments and Continuing Relations

The modern republic passed through authoritarian government under Alberto Fujimori and a democratic transition after 2000. Repeated political crises subsequently complicated the work of its institutions. By 2024, the Washington relationship encompassed trade, migration, counternarcotics cooperation, and concern over deaths during protests after the 2022 change of president. [10]

Related Reading

• Peru and the United States