824.00/74: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile (Shea)

[Paraphrase]

54. Your July 21, 4 p.m. You may convey to the Minister for Foreign Affairs the information that no decision has yet been reached by the Government of the United States in regard to extending recognition to the revolutionary Government of Bolivia. In this matter it will be for the President to decide.

According to advices received from the American Legation in La Paz, Saavedra has informed our Minister that he has assured the Chilean Chargé d’Affaires for the information of the Chilean Government, that the revolutionary Government desires to maintain friendly and cordial relations with Chile, and is anxious to obtain the latter’s friendship. Saavedra likewise expressed the provisional Government’s double concern over the unfriendly state of popular feeling in Chile and in regard to the continued mobilization of Chilean troops. The American Minister has been informed by the Chilean Chargé that he told Saavedra that mobilization was only a precautionary measure.

As you were informed July 21, 6 p.m., the American Ambassador in Peru denies that the Government of Peru has ordered any mobilization. In view of the assurances given by the Governments both of Peru and Bolivia, and communicated to you in this telegram, you may ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Chile thinks it necessary to continue to mobilize troops on the Peruvian and Bolivian frontiers.

Colby