File No. 724.3415/24.
The Acting Secretary of State to Minister Mooney.
Washington, November 20, 1914.
The Bolivian Minister here states that by agreement between Bolivia and Paraguay made last year2 in regard to their disputed boundary they agreed to preserve the status quo for two years pending negotiations for settlement or for arbitration; that his [Page 28] Government informs him that military parties from Paraguay have entered the disputed territory; that his Government considers this action seriously menaces peace between the two countries; and that Bolivia is most anxious to avoid a conflict.
In these circumstances the Bolivian Minister, acting under instructions, expresses the hope that the United States will be willing to represent unofficially to the Paraguayan Government the importance of preserving peace with Bolivia and of strictly complying with its agreement in regard to the status quo; that the Bolivian Government is anxious to do all in its power to avoid any ground of complaint; and that it will seek in a conciliatory and friendly spirit a settlement of the dispute.
In view of the foregoing statement by the Bolivian Minister and the earnest desire of the President to aid so far as possible in preserving peace in this hemisphere, you are instructed to approach the Paraguayan Government unofficially on this subject, expressing the hope of the President that nothing will be done by either Bolivia or Paraguay which will endanger the peace between the two countries. You will make it clear that these representations are made with no intention to interfere in behalf of either Government but in a spirit of equal friendship and solicitude for both.
It is suggested that before calling this matter to the attention of the Paraguayan Government you confidentially consult the Minister of Bolivia at Asuncion in regard to the controversy in order that you may be fully advised as to the points in dispute and the reasons for believing that peace is threatened.
The President fully realizes the delicacy of exercising the influence of the United States in this matter but he relies on your discretion and tact not to cause irritation on the part of the Paraguayan Government and to bring the matter to a successful issue.
- See supra.↩