824.01/4: Telegram

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

34. All diplomatic representatives received practically the same instructions as contained in Department’s telegram 20, June 2, noon.

There are signs of dissension among the members of the Cabinet Council and reports from the interior indicate that some of the departments, particularly Cochabamba and Potosi, are not satisfied with the present regime. Fidel Vega appears to be strongest Minister and it is commonly expected that he will place himself at the head of the Provisional Government, thus becoming a formidable rival for Siles should elections actually be held. Both the Liberal and Republican Parties have invited Saavedra to return, but so far he has given no indication of his plans.

I gather from conversations with the Paraguayan Minister that his Government will not begin direct negotiations on the Chaco question until there is a constitutional government here.4a

Hibbard
  1. For correspondence relating to entrance by Bolivia and Paraguay into direct negotiations for settlement of the Chaco dispute, see pp. 327 ff.