723.2515/339: Telegram
The Chargé in Bolivia (Goold) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 2, 6.37 a.m.]
The Minister for Foreign Affairs informed me yesterday afternoon that it was the intention of the Bolivian Government to send a special embassy to Washington for the purpose of congratulating the Government of the United States upon the outcome of the war and for the purpose of presenting the case of Bolivia for the acquisition of a port. He stated that the case of Bolivia was precisely like that of Servia; that it was necessary for the country to occupy a position that would enable it to communicate and carry on commerce with the outside world without having to obtain the consent [Page 126] of another country. He stated that there was a very considerable body of opinion in Chile in favor of the cession of Arica to Bolivia, and he claimed that a similar body of opinion existed in Peru, but that it was less articulate in Peru because of the Peruvian grievance against Chile on the subject of Arica. He pointed out that with Bolivia placed between Chile and Peru, the peace of this continent would be more secure than it has been for decades. He stated that the Bolivian Government is anxious to have the United States take the initiative in the settlement of the problem, either by making specific suggestions for the settlement to the countries involved, or by calling a conference of the three to be held under the presidency of the Secretary of State or other officer to [be designated?] by the President of the United States or by any other method deemed suitable by the Secretary [United States]. If under the rules to be adopted by the Congress of Versailles, nations other than those which have actually participated in the war are to be allowed to send representatives, it is the intention of the Bolivian Government to send delegates to said Congress, which delegates will bring to its attention the problem herein referred to, unless the United States has in the meantime taken steps looking toward its settlement. The Bolivian Government would prefer to have the proceedings for the settlement initiated and presided over by the United States.
I would like to know definitely whether the President is going to Versailles, and if so, when, and something concerning the probable duration of his absence from the United States, so that it can determine the destination and date of departure of the embassy herein before referred to.