Western Hemisphere 37
Participants: 2 United States of America/135 Peru
Outcome (and Settlement): Yield by side A (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: A. G. Benson, an American merchant, wanted to take guano from the
Lobos Islands (Peru) without having to pay Peruvian authorities any sort of fee. He
appealed to the US government, and Secretary of State Webster wrote to the secre-
tary of the navy, who then sent a squadron to the islands to protect any American
citizens who wished to take guano. Secretary Webster reversed his decision two
months later and recalled the squadron. The United States recognized Peru’s rights
to the islands.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from May 1852. End Date changed from
Missing.
MID#2322
Dispute Number: 2322
Date(s): January 24, 1858 to May 1858
Participants: 135 Peru/2 United States of America
Outcome (and Settlement): Yield by side B (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: On January 24, 1858, the government of Peru seized two vessels belong-
ing to citizens of the United States under the allegations that the vessels were being
used to illegally store guano. The Georgiana was seized at Punta de Lobos, and the
Lizzie Thompson was seized at Pabellon de Pica. An immediate protest by the United
States was made to the Peruvian foreign minister, who contended that the arrests
were legitimate, and the vessels would not be returned. In May, the Peruvian courts
condemned the vessels and put them up for auction. The US foreign minister did not
pursue the case into the Peruvian Supreme Court.
Coding changes: Outcome changed from Yield by side B.
MID#3243
Dispute Number: 3243
Date(s): January 29, 1955 to February 21, 1955
Participants: 135 Peru/2 United States of America
Outcome (and Settlement): Released (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Peru seized eight American tuna boats on January 29, 1955. They were
fined and released on February 21, 1955. Peru continued to enforce a 200-mile limit
on fishing while the United States only recognized a three-mile limit.
Coding changes: End Date changed from Missing.
MID#3244
Dispute Number: 3244
Date(s): October 28, 1962 to October 31, 1962