723.2515/560: Telegram
The Minister in Bolivia (Maginnis) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received March 5—1 a.m.]
21. Bolivian Foreign Office today replied by cable at length to Porras’ note in sentiment that was respectful, diplomatic and moderate,82 setting forth Bolivia’s claims to Arica upon geographical and historical grounds, also calling attention to Porras’ change of attitude from 1910 when he declared that Peru would look with satisfaction upon Arica passing to Bolivia. Note displays desire to respect all existing agreement[s] and treaties in solving problem and avoid if possible any trouble with Peru. General feeling here that Porras’ note, couched as it was in language very undiplomatic and rather insulting, was a blunder, playing into Chile’s hands, and that Bolivian answer has placed this country in a much stronger position.
- The Bolivian reply was dated Mar. 1.↩