724.3415/284: Telegram
The Minister in Paraguay (Kreeck) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 18—3:27 a.m.]
36. Paraguay accepts offer of Conference; Minister of Foreign Affairs now drafting acceptance which will be telegraphed to Secretary Kellogg tonight.
Up to 8 o’clock p.m., Argentina had not answered Paraguay’s question as to its attitude (see my telegram 35); situation desperate; Paraguay could not wait longer and acceptance given.
Blow against American peace has been struck; energetic and forceful measures must be employed against aggression and attacks of Bolivia, or Paraguay will be invaded. Minister of War permitted me to read intercepted Bolivian radiogram directing 10,000 troops be immediately mobilized on Pilcomayo. Another attack reported this afternoon, announcing resistance by Paraguayans and their retaking of fort lost yesterday. This locality is not far from American enterprise at Pinasco and Mennonite colonization. … Only prompt and extreme pressure upon Bolivia will achieve peace. Paraguayans, heretofore calm, now excited and exceedingly nervous and fearful.