724.3415/667c: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Paraguay (Kreeck)
31. Legation’s 63, August 20, 9 p.m. The Department has been informed that the neutral members of the Commission soon expect to make their proposal for a fundamental settlement and desires that you should not express yourself regarding the merit of the proposal even after it shall have been made. At that time you should take occasion discreetly to counsel an attitude of moderation in order that the feeling of apprehension and uncertainty which you report as now existing may not prevent a calm consideration of the proposal.
It is understood that the life of the Commission is limited under the [Page 872] protocol to a term of six months ending on September 13 next, and that the term can only be extended by the two Governments directly concerned. Should it be found, after presentation of the proposal of the neutrals and upon the conclusion of the conciliatory functions entrusted to the Commission by the protocol, that an extension is desirable in the view of either Government, it is presumed that the delegation of that Government on the Commission will be the appropriate channel for making this fact known.
Regardless of the merits of the proposal to be made for a fundamental settlement, concerning which the Department of State, of course, assumes no responsibility, it is hoped that the interested Governments, including that of Paraguay, will accord the proposal, when made, that consideration due any impartial and sincere effort by five neutral Commissioners to find a fair solution of this long-standing dispute.