724.3415/1240: Telegram

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

60. Referring to the Department’s telegram number 25,70 I have just seen the Minister for Foreign Affairs who advised me that the Bolivian reply to the Paraguayan note refusing to give satisfaction for the Ynsfran declarations was sent last night to be delivered this morning in Asuncion. The Bolivian Minister and staff there have instructions to leave the city if a satisfactory reply is not forthcoming within 48 hours. The note, he stated, cleared up the point that no threat was intended and insisted upon satisfaction for the Ynsfran declarations.

[Page 735]

The Paraguayan Minister here who interviewed the Minister for Foreign Affairs this afternoon and was read the note considered it “conveniente” and he is cabling his Government tonight that there is good will here to settle the matter. He considers the tone of the reply not entirely satisfactory but believes that it offers a possibility of keeping the discussion open until the incident can be settled peacefully.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs also said flatly that if Bolivia should now be obliged to withdraw its Minister it would not be its fault, reiterated peaceful intentions of his Government and desire not to disturb the peace and harmony of the continent, and assured me that there had been no mobilization at all, with garrisons ordered not to leave their posts. He also said that he had received reports that Paraguay was sending reinforcements into the Chaco.

He further stated that the neutral note could not be considered until the present incident is settled.

In view of the danger of a rupture of diplomatic relations if the Paraguayan reply is not forthcoming by apparently Sunday morning it would seem advisable to bring all consistent pressure to bear in Asuncion in order that the Paraguayan Government if it cannot give satisfaction will at least reply in a manner which will keep the discussion open and pave the way for a peaceful settlement since there is nothing that can be done here for the moment.

Trueblood
  1. Ante, p. 733.