724.3415/1449: Telegram
The Minister in Bolivia (Feely) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 19—12:20 p.m.]
128. The Bolivian reply of October 17, 10 p.m., to the last neutral notes, after repeating the text of the latter, reads textually as follows:
“My Government has learned with pleasure of the good will of the neutral governments to cooperate with their good offices toward the realization of pacific agreements that will prevent further clashes in the Chaco. It considers at the same time that it is necessary to advance certain concepts on this occasion.
Animated by the best intentions towards the peace of America, my Government has proposed the discussion of the bases of a pact of nonaggression in the Chaco. But these intentions were immediately answered by further Paraguayan attacks, as may easily be proved by an impartial investigation, if indeed the communiqué of the Paraguayan Ministry of War of September 20th were not sufficient proof, declaring as it does ‘that the reconnaissance of the Bolivian possession [Page 768] had been ordered’. These last attacks are but the repetition of numerous aggressions which began with that of Puerto Pacheco, continued with Vanguardia and ended with Aguarica. So unequal is the situation of the two nations that it is Paraguay whose duty it should be to give guarantees of nonaggression and not Bolivia which has only suffered and repulsed with stoicism the latest incursions of Paraguay into its dominions.
These aggressions and invasions have culminated in the Paraguayan usurpation of the entire right bank of the Paraguay River throughout the five geographical degrees comprised between the 25th parallel and Puerto Pacheco, and as though this were not sufficient to isolate Bolivia, Paraguay has advanced toward the interior along the Rio Negro, within the Chaco its penetration has comprised the entire fertile zone provided with water and suitable for colonization.
Notwithstanding these antecedents which show Paraguay to be the permanent aggressor, Bolivia will proceed to discuss with the delegates of that country the bases of the nonaggression pact under the benevolent hospitality of the American Government and under the aegis of the good offices of the representatives of the neutral governments who, as observers, will be able to follow the course of the conferences.
As to the suggestion that instructions be given to the commanders of the forces in the Chaco to the effect that they keep strictly within their respective positions, I should say that on its own initiative my Government maintains in force the orders already given to the effect that Paraguayan positions are not to be attacked, as was proven in the recent incidents at Aguarica in which, although we were attacked we have maintained our positions, although revenge might have been taken successfully. It is the country that has been the aggressor and the invader for the past 50 years which should give guarantees of immobility.
These and other related points are precisely those which we shall discuss in Washington on the date indicated. Bolivia will participate therein with the best intentions always on the basis of respect for its territorial rights. Signed Julio A. Gutierrez.”