724.3415/943: Telegram

The Chargé in Bolivia ( Hibbard ) to the Acting Secretary of State

2. Department’s telegram number 2, January 6, 5 p.m. I presented the note as instructed but I do not believe it will receive serious consideration from the President for some time due to the internal political situation. During the past two weeks the President has had continuous conferences with members of his own party and it now seems certain that in place of calling for elections he will endeavor to remain in office. No announcement has yet been made, as apparently he has not decided the exact method nor is he sure of the entire support of the army. There is a strong feeling against his continuance but the pressure is so great in his own party, which has no other candidate, in addition to his own ambition, that he has been persuaded. There is no way of making such a step constitutional. Should he in fact endeavor to continue in office there are certain to be political disturbances between now and May which, unless he can count on the entire army, he will be unable to control.49 In any case they would seriously affect any negotiations over the Chaco question.

Meantime the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Abelli are prepared to accept the suggestion contained in penultimate paragraph of the last note of the neutral Governments and will attempt to persuade the President to this course when they can secure his attention. The delay of Paraguay in carrying out the provisions of the conciliation agreement signed in Washington50 is playing into Siles’ hand as it is being made to appear a national danger here and a strong reason to persuade the army for the continuance of the present administration.

Hibbard
  1. See “Revolution in Bolivia,” pp. 415 ff.
  2. See telegram No. 50, September 12, 1929, to the Chargé in Bolivia, Foreign Relations, 1929, vol. i, p. 860.