723.2515/568: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Bolivia (Maginnis)
19. Department’s March 17, noon. Legation at Lima cabled as follows March 16, 5 p.m.
[Here follows telegram no. 51, March 16, from the Chargé in Peru.]
Seek an immediate interview with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and inform him that the Department would deplore mobilization in Bolivia. A very grave responsibility would be assumed by such mobilization. A similar representation has been made to the Government[s] of Chile and Peru regarding mobilization in those countries. At this time the world would resent any action on the part of a South American country which would cause the breaking out of hostilities in South America.
The Government of the United States confidently hopes to be informed immediately that there is no movement of troops in Bolivia toward the Peruvian frontier and that the Government of Bolivia has the firm intention of taking no action tending to disturb peace in South America. The Department requests an immediate assurance on this point. Cable Department daily regarding developments in situation.