Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 8, 1908
File No. 352/12–13.
Minister O’Brien to the Secretary of State.
Asuncion, July 16, 1908.
Sir: The inclosed report, drawn up by me as dean of the diplomatic corps, covers fully the proceedings taken by that body in connection with the revolution which broke out in Asuncion on July 2, 1908.
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure 1.]
Asuncion, Paraguay, July 2–8, 1908.
In response to a note addressed by the American minister, Edward C. O’Brien, as dean of the diplomatic corps, referring to the chaotic situation arising from the revolution that broke out at daybreak in the streets of Asuncion on July 2, and intrusted to a Red Cross messenger for delivery, there assembled in the afternoon of that day at half past 2 o’clock in the apartments of the American minister in the Hotel Hispano Americano, in a part of the city occupied by the revolutionary forces, his excellency, Mr. J. A. Fabre, the minister resident of France; Chevalier Hector Gazzaniga, the Italian chargé d’affaires; Dr Felix Bocayuva, chargé d’affaires ad interim of Brazil; Mr. Alfredo Silva y Antuña, the Uruguayan chargé d’affaires ad interim; Mr. Cecil Gosling, the British chargé d’affaires ad interim; and Dr Carlos Guttierrez, the Bolivian chargé d’affaires ad interim.
These, with Dr Francisco Olshausen, the German chargé d’affaires, and Mr. Alfonso Laferrere, the Argentine chargé d’affaires, form the diplomatic corps actually in Paraguay Dr Olshausen was in the interior of the country, and it was surmised that the absence of Mr. Laferrere was accounted for by the fact that his legation was within the lines defended by the forces of Gen Ferreira, and it was not possible for him to cross the firing line.
Mr. O’Brien stated that Dr Eusebio Ayala, a member of the revolutionary committee, had that morning at 9 o’clock asked him, on the part of the revolutionary forces, to use his friendly offices to bring about a cessation of hostilities in order that the contending parties might confer with the object of coming to terms and thereby preventing a terrible and useless loss of life.
As from the hotel many dead and wounded could be seen, he had readily acceded, but had required that the revolutionary forces should cease firing, hoist a flag of truce, and furnish him with an escort to the headquarters of the revolutionary forces Accompanied by Mr. Owsley, secretary of the American Legation, and a military escort, he had then gone to the revolutionary headquarters and been presented by Dr Ayala to Mr. Adolfo Riquelme, chairman of the revolutionary committee, and to Maj Jara, the commander of the revolutionary forces, and they had confirmed what Dr Ayala had said.
That on his arrival a flag of truce had at once been hoisted over the building and an unarmed officer had proceeded with another white flag toward headquarters of Gen Ferreira’s forces under Commandant Garcia, chief of police, but the officer had unexpectedly and hastily returned, reporting that the police had furiously fired on him and that he found it too perilous to deliver the message.
That, at Mr. O’Brien’s suggestion, one of the hospital corps carrying a Red Cross ensign had been sent on the same errand, but the bearer of this flag had also returned saying that he had been repeatedly fired upon.
As Mr. O’Brien had been in the barracks a little over an hour, during which time the Government forces had kept up a steady fire upon the headquarters of the revolutionary party, he had therefore determined to return to the hotel and consult his colleagues.
No sooner had he left the barracks than the revolutionary forces had begun, all along the line, a terrible onslaught upon their adversaries While returning from the barracks and crossing the streets an officer, Capt Miguel Acosta, and a soldier of the escort had been wounded.
[Page 762]That immediately upon arriving at the hotel he had dispatched the notes which the diplomatic corps had received, and he now desired to recognize the personal courage and high sense of duty which had brought them there under such perilous circumstances.
After this statement by the dean, Mr. Gosling, the British chargé d’affaires, informed those present that he had that morning tried to communicate personally with the President, who, with a handful of men, was in the Government palace, but that he was unable to break through the lines, and he believed that at any moment the President was liable to be overpowered and assassinated, and urged prompt action on the part of the diplomatic corps.
Mr. Alfredo Silva y Antuña, the Uruguayan chargé d’affaires reported a like experience and counseled similar action.
After due deliberation, the diplomatic corps, taking into account that President Ferreira was surrounded and the minister of war a prisoner, Messrs Báez, Benitez, and Isasi, the minister of foreign affairs, interior, and justice, respectively, in the Government barracks, and the whereabouts of the minister of finance, Mr. Soler, unknown, resolved to send a note (No 1 of the series) to Mr. Alfredo Riquelme, chairman of the revolutionary committee, and another of like tenor to Commandant Garcia of the Government forces, requesting a cessation of hostilities in order to allow the diplomatic body to use its friendly offices These notes were dispatched by a Red Gross messenger carrying the ensign of the society.
In about an hour the messenger returned, reporting that he had been fired upon by the Government forces and had been unable to deliver the note to Commandant Garcia In the meantime an officer from the revolutionary forces arrived communicating that he was instructed to advise the diplomatic corps that the revolutionary committee would comply with the request, providing the Government forces agreed to a suspension of hostilities.
The members of the diplomatic corps, after consideration, agreeing that nothing more could be done that day, though Mr. Gazzaniga suggested that, as the flag of truce and the Red Cross ensign had not been respected, as a last resource the American minister should be requested to send his flag along with a flag of truce; but in deference to the views of his colleagues he did not urge this His excellency the French minister was of the same opinion as his Italian colleague, but also gave way to the opinion of the majority.
The American minister, whilst appreciating this pleasing deference, agreed with Mr. Alfredo Silva y Antuña, Mr. Gosling, Drs Bocayuva and Gutierrez, that nothing further could be done that day by the diplomatic body, but reserved his individual right to take action should any emergency arise before another meeting.
The diplomatic body then retired Those who left the hotel, especially the French, Italian, and Uruguayan representatives, all of them family men, were exposed to great danger while returning to their legations.
July 3 At 8 o’clock on the morning of Friday, July 3, Mr. O’Brien, the American minister, was joined by Mr. Silva y Antuña, the Uruguayan chargé d’affaires, Dr Felix Bocayuva, the Brazilian chargé d’affaires, and Mr. Cecil Gosling, the British chargé d’affaires, who had all come to the hotel under heavy fire.
As it was evident to all that the revolutionary forces would triumph and in fear for the lives of the President and the ministers of state, a note (No 2 of the series) was addressed to Mr. Adolfo Riquelme, the chairman of the revolutionary committee, requesting that in the event of the success of the revolutionary arms the lives of President Ferreira, his ministers, and other high officials should be protected The revolutionary committee replied to this note (No 3 of the series) recognizing the right of asylum and stating that in case of the surrender of the President or his ministers they would receive all proper consideration, at the same time advising that military operations would be vigorously pushed to a conclusion.
Whilst waiting for the arrival of their colleagues a terrific cannonading was begun against the Government palace and it was decided to dispatch a note (No 4 of the series) to the revolutionary headquarters, requesting a cessation of hostilities for one hour to permit the members of the dipolmatic corps to communicate with the President A reply was shortly received advising them that hostilities against the palace had ceased, but that President Ferreira would not be allowed to leave the building (No 5 of the series.)
The American, Uruguayan, and British representatives at once set out for the Government palace, under a military escort, leaving Dr Bocayuva, the [Page 763] Brazilian chargé d’affaires, in the hotel to acquaint their colleagues, when they arrived, with what had been done.
On showing a flag of truce they were admitted to the palace by the western entrance, and there found the President in the basement, with some 50 men Informed of their mission he manifested his wish to consult his ministers The mediators at once communicated this personally to the revolutionary committee, who readily granted the President’s request.
Under an escort the diplomats went to the railway station where Ministers Báez, Benitez, and Isasi had taken refuge with the forces of Commandant Garcia, who had on the night previous abandoned the police headquarters During the consultation of the ministers, Mr. Laferrere, the Argentine chargé d’affaires, joined his colleagues and all proceeded to the Government palace.
The journey was not unattended with danger, and on account of desultory firing whilst the mission was crossing the line, the minister for foreign affairs demurred to proceeding He alleged the absence of articles of armistice and the grave responsibility the Republic of Paraguay would incur in the case of any accident to the diplomats.
Being reassured by the latter, the ministers continued to the Government palace, although a desultory fire was kept up all the way The diplomats, leaving the ministers of state in consultation with the President, returned to the revolutionary headquarters and protested against the firing The revolutionary committee stated that as they had given strict orders the firing must have come from the Government forces, and it was a fact that the war vessel Liberlad, still under control of the Góvernment, was firing; that they would immediately repeat orders to their forces to maintain, to the utmost, a complete cessation, and would take additional precautions to protect the mission On the return of the diplomatic corps to the palace the President announced to them that he should present a conditional resignation.
Owing to the late hour the mission decided to return to the railway station, with the understanding that the President’s resignation would be ready at 8 o’clock the next morning, and advised the revolutionary committee to that effect, both sides in the meantime agreeing to a complete cessation of hostilities until 9 o’clock the next day.
July 4 At precisely 10 minutes to 8 in the morning, Messrs O’Brien, Silva y Antuña, Bocayuva, and Gosling, left the hotel under escort for the Government palace President Ferreira had not prepared his resignation and expressed a wish to be allowed to consult his ministers again The revolutionary committee refused to allow any further conference between the President and his cabinet and required from President Ferreira written conditions for their consideration These President Ferreira gave in an unsigned document containing seven articles (No 6 of the series) After an examination of them the revolutionary committee, averring that their forces were successful all along the line and President Ferreira’s troops were completely at their mercy, demanded his unconditional resignation.
Realizing the situation the members of the diplomatic corps present at the headquarters of the revolutionary committee addressed a note to Mr. Adolfo Requelme, the chairman of that body, in which they recognized the triumph of the revolutionary arms and requested a guaranty in writing for the protection of the lives of Gen Ferreira, his ministers of state, and all Government functionaries The note (No 7 of the series) was signed by Edward C. O’Brien, the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States of America; Mr. Alfredo Silva y Antuña, chargé d’affaires of Uruguay; Dr Felix Bocayuva, the Brazilian chargé d’affaires; Mr. Cecil Gosling, the British chargé d’affaires; and Mr. Alfonso Laferrere, the Argentine chargé d’affaires The request contained in this note was agreed to by the revolutionary committee at the moment and according to their promise they sent their guarantee in writing to the dean of the diplomatic corps at the Hotel Hispano Americano that same evening (No 8 of the series).
When these facts were made known to Gen Ferreira by the intervening diplomats he handed the dean his resignation addressed to the Paraguayan Congress (No 9 of the series) and a note thanking them for their mediation (No 10 of the series), asking only that the soldiers and others who were then with him in the palace might go free.
The diplomats returned to the headquarters of the revolutionary party, delivered the President’s resignation to the committee, and showed the note addressed by the President to the diplomatic corps The dean mentioned to the committee that Gen Ferreira had said, in reply to the offer of asylum made by [Page 764] Mr. Laferrere, the Argentine chargé d’affaires, that, while appreciating his great kindness, he did not wish to go to any legation, having confidence in some members of the revolutionary party and preferring to go to his home.
Dr Emiliano Gonzalez Navero, Vice President of the Republic, then addressed the members of the diplomatic corps collectively, stating that although he was completely foreign to the movement his assistance had been requested in the present difficulties and he felt he was called upon to give it He thanked the diplomatic corps for their mediation and hoped that a prosperous era was now opening to the country, once harmony and tranquility were restored Maj Jara also spoke, saying that as the initiator of the revolution he felt bound to do everything in his power to restore quiet and order.
The dean replied that the diplomatic body had acted purely in the interests of humanity and out of good will for the land of Paraguay.
The diplomatic corps, accompanied by Maj Jara, returned to the palace and all the persons who were with Gen Ferreira were given passes allowing them to go to their homes unmolested.
When Gen Ferreira was ready to leave the palace the Argentine chargé d’affaires offered his carriage, the first to arrive, to Gen Ferreira The latter thanked him, saying, “I wish the dean of the diplomatic corps to accompany me in my own carriage to my house.” The dean, Mr. O’Brien, took a seat by his side, Dr Bocayuva following Maj Jara also accompanied them, as it was believed, and indeed suggested to him, that his presence would be a guaranty of safety while Gen Ferreira was going to his house The Uruguayan chargé d’affaires, Mr. Silva y Antuña, with Mr. Laferrere, the Argentine representative, in one carriage, and Mr. Gosling, Mr. Poole, the American minister’s private secretary, and Mr. Christian Heisiecke, jr.: Gen Ferreira’s son-in-law, in another, followed.
The party took leave of Gen Ferreira in the hall of his house, where he again expressed to the diplomatic corps his heartfelt appreciation of their intermediation Every detail of this incident has been here recorded in case any question should arise hereafter as to whether Gen Ferreira left the Government palace as a prisoner or as a free man.
July 5 The dean received a note from Dr Eusebio Ayala communicating to the diplomatic corps that the Vice President, Mr. Emiliano Gonzalez Navero, had assumed the Presidency and formed his cabinet, and that he had been named minister of foreign affairs (No 11 of the series.) Copies of the communication were transmitted to each member of the diplomatic corps (No 12 of the series.)
July 6 The dean of the corps received another note advising that the minister of foreign relations, Dr Eusebio Ayala, would receive the diplomatic corps on Wednesdays from 3 to 4 p.m. Copies of the note were delivered to each member of the corps (No 13 of the series.)
July 7 On the afternoon of July 7 all the members of the diplomatic corps informally assembled in the dean’s apartments Mr. Silva y Antuña, the Uruguayan chargé d’affaires, presented a note which he had received from ex-President Ferreira, protesting against the strict surveillance kept over his house and stating that on choosing to come to his house he had not done so as a prisoner, and requesting Mr. Silva to inform the diplomatic corps of this and to ask them to obtain for him a safe conduct out of the country (No 14 of the series.)
Mr. Laferrere, the Argentine chargé d’affaires, desired a safe conduct for President Ferreira or his removal to the Argentine Legation The opinion prevailed, however, that further intervention on the part of the diplomatic corps was inadvisable.
It was agreed that Mr. Silva y Antuña in replying to Gen Ferreira’s note should say that it did not appear that the diplomatic corps had any grounds for further intervention Copies of Mr. Silva’s reply have been given to the diplomatic corps (No 15 of the series.)
July 8th The American, French, Argentine, Italian, Uruguayan, German, British, and Bolivian representatives were present at an informal meeting called by the dean at the request of some of his colleagues Its object was to consider the note of Dr Ayala, minister of foreign affairs, notifying the days he would receive members of the diplomatic corps The dean manifested his opinion that it did not seem a matter for collective action but one to be left to the judgment of each individual member, and this view prevailed.
Referring to the publication of the greater part of the correspondence exchanged between the diplomatic corps and the revolutionary party in “El Diario” [Page 765] of Asuncion, July 7, a journal under the direction of Mr. Adolfo Riquelme, the chairman of the revolutionary committee, the dean said that he had called the attention of Dr Ayala to the ommission of any reference to the fact that the revolutionary committee had, on the morning of July 2, solicited intervention Dr Ayala had courteously and readily set this right in a note (No 16 of the series) which was read, and of which copies will be given to each member of the diplomatic corps.
In this note Dr Ayala had also manifested his intention to thank each individual member of that body.
Note of the Diplomatic Corps to the Chairman of the Revolutionary Committee and to Commandant Garcia of the Government Forces.
The dean of the diplomatic corps in his own name and that of his colleagues presents his compliments to Mr. Adolfo Riquelme and begs him to obtain from those in arms against Gen Ferreira the suspension, at least momentarily, of hostilities, in order that, during the truce, efforts may be made to put an end to the present perturbation, and to harmonize and clear up the situation of public tranquility.
Minister O’Brien to the Chairman of the Revolutionary Committee.
The American minister, dean of the diplomatic corps, in his own name and in the name of his colleagues, salutes Senor don Adolfo Riquélme, and has the honor to communicate to him that the representatives of nations friendly to Paraguay have resolved that under the supposition of the possible triumph of those who have risen against the Government, they will, for the honor of this nation, place under their protection the persons of the head of the State, his ministers, and other high functionaries.
Feeling certain that it is the intention of the revolutionary committee of which he is the head to act in the same spirit of humanity, he begs to suggest both privately and officially that all efforts may be made to bring about such a desideratum for the welfare and dignity of the country.
The Chairman of the Revolutionary Committee to Minister O’Brien.
The undersigned, in the name of the revolutionary committee, presents his compliments to the dean of the diplomatic corps, his excellency Gen Edward C. O’Brien, and his distinguished colleagues, and acknowledges receipt of his note dated to-day, in which he suggests that the persons of the ex-President General Ferreira, his ministers, and the high State officials should be protected In reply I must state to your excellency that we are disposed to recognize in all its amplitude the right of asylum as soon as the diplomatic corps shall communicate to us the buildings in which the said persons have taken refuge under the protection of a diplomat.
The revolutionary committee at the same time informs the diplomatic corps that it intends to carry on with the greatest vigor the military operations in order to terminate as soon as possible this state of things.
The persons of Mr. Ferreira, ministers, and employees will receive every consideration provided they surrender or take shelter in the legations and cease from every kind of hostility.
(Seal of the general staff.)
Minister O’Brien to the Chairman of the Revolutionary Committee.
The American minister, dean of the diplomatic corps, presents his compliments to Mr. Adolfo Riquléme, and begs him to obtain a cessation for an hour, of hostilities against the Government palace in order that Gen Ferreira may be informed of the conditions, of the revolutionary committee, contained in their note dated to-day.
The Chairman of the Revolutionary Committee to Minister O’Brien.
The undersigned, in the name of the revolutionary committee, presents his compliments to his excellency the dean of the diplomatic corps, Gen E. O’Brien, and his worthy colleagues and acknowledges with pleasure his last note of to-day.
In reply he states that from this moment orders have been given to cease fire on the Government palace, though they will still continue to closely surround all the building.
I also beg to inform the diplomatic corps, through you, that the revolutionary committee will not permit Gen Ferreira to leave the Government palace in any way, guaranteeing complete safety if he wishes to surrender with the forces that may be still under his orders.
(Seal of the general staff.)
[Subinclosure 6.—Translation.]
- 1.
- The President of the Republic delivers up the command of the nation to the vice president, Mr. Gonzales Navero or to the person whom the revolutionary committee shall designate.
- 2.
- The chiefs, officers, and troops who have remained faithful to the Government may continue in the service of the nation if such is their wish On the contrary, they shall be allowed complete liberty to withdraw to their houses.
- 3.
- The expenses and damages caused by the agents of the Government and the revolution shall be defrayed by the nation.
- 4.
- Ample amnesty Common offenses shall be judged by the ordinary tribunals.
- 5.
- The officer and troop of the commandery of the port and some police garrisoning the Government palace shall return to their respective corps The private people shall withdraw to their houses The arms belonging to private persons shall be carried off by their owners.
- 6.
- Gen Ferreira, trusting largely to the honor of the men of the revolution that they will not make him the object of any personal persecution or attack, shall withdraw to his house.
- 7.
- This agreement of peace shall be signed with the moral guaranty of the diplomatic corps.
The Diplomatic Corps to the Chairman of the Revolutionary Committee.
(Seal of the ministry of war and marine.)
The diplomatic corps accredited to Paraguay, taking into account the actual political situation of this Republic and the latest developments, recognizes as evident the triumph of the revolutionary arms over the government of Gen [Page 767] Ferreira and hopes that the right feeling of the revolutionary committee will cause them to act in harmony with the interests and good name of the country, insomuch that they will preserve and assure the persons of Gen Ferreira, the other members of his government, and the high officials, thus offering the nations whom the said diplomats represent a guaranty of these acts of civilization.
- Edward C. O’Brien.
- A Silva y Antuña.
- Felix Bocayuva.
- Cecil Gosling.
- A de Laferrere.
The Chairman of the Revolutional Committee to the Diplomatic Corps.
(Seal of the ministry of war and marine.)
The undersigned, in the name of the revolutionary committee, answers the act signed by the diplomatic corps recognizing the triumph of the revolution, as follows: That the revolutionary committee fully guarantees the life and interests not only of Gen Ferreira and his ministers but also of all the functionaries and private persons to be found within the country.
Once the revolutionary committee has organized definitely the government of the country, I shall have the honor of communicating its composition to the honorable diplomatic corps.
For the revolutionary committee,
President Ferreira to the Paraguayan Congress.
To the Honorable Congress of the Nation:
In view of present events I present to the honorable Congress my resignation of the office of President of the Republic.
Saluting the honorable Congress attentively,
President Ferreira to the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
As the diplomatic corps has intervened in the negotiations undertaken for the purpose of putting an end to the perturbances arisen from the revolutionary movement, I beg to send him my resignation of the office of President of the Republic in order to bring about the end desired.
Whilst thanking the diplomatic corps for their mediation, I have to ask only for the safety of the soldiers and private individuals who have accompanied me in the defense of the Government palace.
I salute you attentively,
The Minister for Foreign Affairs to Minister O’Brien.
Asuncion, July 5, 1908.
Mr. Minister: I beg to inform you, as dean of the diplomatic corps, that as Dr Benigno Ferreira has resigned the Presidency, the Vice President, Don [Page 768] Emiliano Gonzalez Navero, has assumed that charge, and has named the following ministry: Dr Gualberto Cardus Huerta, finance; Don Manuel Gondra, interior; Dr Manuel Franco, justice, religion, and public instruction; Maj Albino Jara, war and marine.
The undersigned, having been appointed to the ministry of foreign affairs, avails himself of this the first opportunity to offer to your excellency the assurances of his high regard.
Minister O’Brien to each member of the Diplomatic Corps.
Asuncion, July 6, 1908.
Sir: I deliver into your hands a copy of the following note addressed to me by Mr. Eusebio Ayala, a member of the revolutionary committee, who signs as minister of foreign affairs.
Saluting you with the highest consideration, I am, etc.,
The Minister of Foreign Affairs to Minister O’Brien.
Asuncion, July 6, 1908.
Eusebio Ayala, minister of foreign affairs, presents his compliments to his excellency Gen Edward C. O’Brien, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States of America and dean of the foreign diplomatic corps, and begs to inform him that he will be pleased to receive the diplomatic corps on Wednesdays from 3 to 4 p.m.
Ex-President Ferreira to the Uruguayan Chargé d’ Affaires.
Mr. Alfredo Silva y Antuña.
Esteemed Friend: The vigilance of my domicile is strict It seems to me that this is not what was agreed upon On electing to come to my house it has not been as a prisoner, but to remain at liberty; so at least I understood.
The incoming and outgoing of persons is subject to the will of the guardians, and even my correspondence is intercepted; nor do provisions for my table enter without supervision.
I beg of you to inform the dean of the diplomatic corps that he may use his good offices that this state of things may cease I also beg you that if nothing is effected you will communicate it to me with all frankness, and in such case to arrange with your colleagues to obtain a safe conduct for me to withdraw from the country.
Saluting you affectionately,
The Uruguayan Chargé d’Affaires to ex-President Ferreira.
Gen. Dr. Benigno Ferreira, Present.
Esteemed Friend: In reply to your letter of yesterday, I must tell you that the diplomatic corps met and after considering your letter asked me to reply to you, that after you were accompanied to your house no events have occurred [Page 769] that should change what was agreed upon by the revolutionary committee, and that, therefore, the diplomatic corps believes that your complaints are unfounded (premature), since the measures now taken with regard to you are for the object of guarding your person and life; an obligation the revolutionary committee took upon itself.
I am, etc.,
The Minister of Foreign Affairs to Minister O’Brien.
Asuncion, July 8, 1908.
Mr. Minister: I beg to state to your excellency that after receiving the communication directed to the revolutionary barracks giving notice that the Legation of the United States of America had moved to the Hotel Hispano Americano, the undersigned, in the name of the revolutionary committee, came in person to your excellency to solicit your good offices to bring about a cessation of hostilities and obtain a speedy reestablishment of peace Your excellency asked for a guard for yourself to the barracks of the Second Infantry, and the committee sent it.
Your excellency in consequence and in a purely private character, as you yourself manifested, came to the barracks mentioned for the purpose of obtaining a truce that the diplomatic corps might take action.
I am fulfilling a duty in stating to your excellency that I shall shortly have the satisfaction of thanking each of the members of the diplomatic corps for the efficacious and generous intervention in putting an end to the armed conflict.
I avail myself of this occasion to offer your excellency the assurances of my highest esteem.