724.3415/1229a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Bolivia (Trueblood)
24. Legation at Asuncion reported on 23d instant65 that a Bolivian note was delivered the previous day protesting against recent statements of Paraguayan Chargé d’Affaires at Washington and requesting rectification under threat to recall Minister at Asuncion. Cable adds that Minister for Foreign Affairs is reported at his home indisposed but at the same time drafted a reply which was due to be delivered yesterday afternoon and which the Chargé was reliably informed is unlikely to be of tenor entirely satisfactory to Bolivia.
Department is telegraphing the Legation at Asuncion as follows:66
“If note has not yet been delivered, please informally express the hope that Paraguayan Government will take a conciliatory attitude and will do nothing to disrupt relations with Bolivia. Now that the neutrals are renewing the offer of good offices, it is very important that nothing should be done to disturb the situation.”
Please also informally endeavor to prevent a rupture of relations. You might suggest as your own opinion to the Bolivian authorities that this is a matter which might appropriately be referred to the neutral representatives in Washington. Report developments.