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It seemed to be the consensus of people and newspapers that, even though it was impossible for Peru to follow Bolivia's action in declaring war against the Axis, they did not in any way wish the United States to feel that they were not likewise sympathetic, and they apparently set about to show Vice-President WALLACE as enthusiastic a reception as they possibly could. With the exception of the small Aprista demonstration upon the arrival of President Prado and Mr. WALLACE at the Palace, there were no unpleasant events publicized during his entire visit. At that time it seemed to be the feeling of the people that such demonstration was in protest against President Prado and in no way reflecting upon the U. 5. Government. POLITICAL REPERCUSSIONS In conversation with several sources of information in Lima, it was stated by them that they felt the repercussions of Mr. WALLACE's visit would all be favorable. Without exception they stated that the first was in the government's mandate of April 16th to the effect that rice, which had been scarce and priced at such level as worked a hardship on the working man, would in the future be sold at a standard price of 48 centavos per kilo (approximately eight cents). At the same time the government set forth the places where this rice would be available and where it would be rationed to customers. It should be noted that in Peru the working man subsists on Little more than rice, beans, and potatoes. The individuals interviewed felt that this political action in the rice situation was the result of some of the statements made by Mr. WALLACE in his speeches and comments concerning the hardships placed on the poor man by the war and the current commercial status. It might also be noted that the rice market in Peru is veritably controlled by Japanese nationals and at the present time there is a 50% shortage in the annual crope The persons interviewed feel that the U. S. Government can without hesitation be of the opinion that the Peruvian people definitely displayed their desire to cooperate with the American Government, this attitude being very strongly evidenced in their hearty approval of Pan-Americanism and their reception of Vice-President WALLACE » Under date of April 14th, 1943, Pan-American Day, the Peruvian Government issued the following official announcement -14-