824.00/520: Telegram
The Chargé in Bolivia (Hibbard) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 10—10:10 a.m.]
48. My telegram No. 47, July 2, 5 p.m. In conversation with an individual in the confidence of the junta, I was informed that the present Government has made no overtures to any neighboring Governments for recognition. The junta, while desirous of recognition, hoped that it would come “spontaneously”. I was asked whether the United States would accord recognition. I stated that I could only reply personally but that my opinion was that the United States would continue normal diplomatic relations with Bolivia; that as far [Page 424] as I was aware it had not been customary for the United States to grant de jure recognition to governments constituted as the present Bolivian Government and I advised against raising a question which might prove embarrassing, particularly in view of the announcement of the junta that constitutional elections would be called shortly. I added however that should the Government desire to make a formal request I would, of course, transmit it to the Department at once.
This afternoon I called on General Blanco Galindo in accordance with the Department’s telegram No. 24, July 8, 6 p.m.7 He expressed the warm admiration of Bolivia for the United States and a hope that relations would always remain cordial. He added that he hoped relations would shortly be closer between the two countries but that he understood it was not customary for the United States to grant recognition under the circumstances. I made no comment.
I have conferred with my Brazilian and Peruvian colleagues who state that in spite of repeated expressions by the junta of the desire to maintain normal and cordial relations with their countries the question of recognition has not been raised. They do not intend to take any action. The Chilean Minister is more vague and my impression is that Chile will endeavor to find some way to strengthen her relations here either by recognition or otherwise in order to hold a predominating influence later.
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