724.3415/1515
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State (White)
Mr. Huxley of the British Embassy telephoned and stated that he had seen rather conflicting reports in the press regarding the Bolivia-Paraguay matter. One press report was to the effect that the telegrams of the American countries had been sent because Bolivia was [Page 770] not joining in the conference to consider a pact of non-aggression, whereas others reported that Bolivia had accepted the invitation and had appointed their delegates. He inquired whether I could tell him something regarding the matter.
I said that the notes had not been sent because we felt that Bolivia would not come to the conference. As a matter of fact, Bolivia has accepted and has appointed its delegates. Although we knew before the telegram was sent that Bolivia would do so, we did not actually get the official note until after the telegrams had been despatched. I said that this, however, was not the reason for sending the telegrams. The telegrams were sent as the crystallization of public opinion throughout many of the American countries to the effect that something should be done to point out to the two Governments the great interest of the whole continent in their disturbed relations and the desire of the American peoples that there should be no armed conflict in this hemisphere.