723.2515/3373
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State (White)
The Bolivian Minister, accompanied by Senor de la Barra, Secretary of the Legation, called on the Secretary on Thursday, May 2. He said that on the previous day he had not wanted to bother the [Page 787] Secretary and had delivered to Mr. White a copy of a cable received from his Government33 which set forth a conversation between the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bolivia and the Chilean Minister in La Paz. The Bolivian Minister for Foreign Affairs told the Chilean Minister that Bolivia had taken no part in the negotiations between Chile and Peru but, having learned that Chile had suggested limiting the rights of Chile and Peru to transfer any part of the territory now in dispute or to change the existing system of international railroads, Bolivia could not remain aloof any longer, as such a restriction would signify an understanding contrary to Bolivia’s interests. He said that Bolivia desired both countries to maintain their freedom to negotiate with Bolivia.
The Bolivian Minister told the Secretary that he had been instructed to bring this matter to the attention of the Government of the United States and point out the great importance of the matter to Bolivia, and to express the hope that the United States would do something for Bolivia in the matter. Bolivia felt that as a settlement between Chile and Peru would be made under the auspices of the United States they should make their position very clear to the Secretary of State. The Minister added that this proposal was a virtual reversal of the policy in the Kellogg formula for turning over the provinces to Bolivia, and would close the door on any such solution for the future.
The Secretary stated that he had supposed, when the Minister spoke to him last Friday, that the Minister was acting under instructions from his Government, and was glad to know now that it was under direct instructions from his Government. He said that he was giving the matter careful thought and would be glad to bear in mind the Bolivian situation in so far as the matter might come before him. He added that he would like the Minister to bear two things in mind: first, that the negotiations were being carried on directly between Chile and Peru and, secondly, he thought it very important that there should be no outbreak of popular feeling while this matter is under consideration. He thought it would be most unfortunate should any irresponsible person start an attack on Chile which would stir up public feeling in Bolivia.
The Minister stated that he agreed fully with the Secretary and could give him assurances that his Government would see that there was no outbreak. He thanked the Secretary for his promise to bear in mind the Bolivian contention and point of view.