724–3415/2483: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Paraguay (Wheeler)
46. Your 145, November 4, 7 p.m. There is every prospect that with patience and good sense on the part of Bolivia and Paraguay an agreement can be arrived at. The conduct of the military campaign and the continuance of Paraguay in the conference here are matters which naturally only Paraguay can determine. This Government can express no opinion regarding the first. Regarding the second, it feels that Paraguay would certainly be making a most serious mistake to withdraw from the conference. This controversy has existed between Paraguay and Bolivia for many years and to break off the conversations after the first meeting, at which Paraguayan and Bolivian delegates met and discussed the matter, would seem to be unreasonable and it is not seen on what grounds it could be defended. Since that meeting Neutral Commission has been discussing the first topic in its proposal of October 1274 to the two countries, namely the separation of the troops in the Chaco, and very favorable progress is being made with the Bolivian delegate. At the first meeting on October 27 Soler suggested that Paraguay withdraw its troops to the River and Bolivia withdraw to Villa Montes, a far greater distance away. Furthermore, the disadvantage to Bolivia [Page 108] is enhanced by the greater difficulty in communications. Soler admitted privately, after the conference, that this was his first demand and is susceptible of modification. He has since receded to meridian 62½.
The Neutral Commission desires to bring about a termination at once and for all of hostilities and not merely to arrange for a truce and it is therefore endeavoring to have the troops on both sides withdrawn as far as possible and to have both sides demobilize down to a small reasonable figure. These two conditions, joined with the supervision of the withdrawal of the troops and supervision of the maintenance of the withdrawal by a Neutral commission should give ample guarantees to both sides that the other will not resume hostilities. Please take the matter up on this basis with the Paraguayan authorities, pointing out that favorable progress is being made and that it certainly does not appear reasonable to talk about withdrawing from the conference when there has so far been but one meeting of the two delegations at which they naturally put forth their major demands and resisted those of the other. With moderation and good sense on both sides, the prospects are most favorable for a settlement.
In order to aid the negotiations, please endeavor to find out the minimum withdrawal of Bolivian troops acceptable to Paraguay and the minimum number of troops Paraguay will want to retain under arms and the number of Bolivian troops which would be acceptable to Paraguay. You may state that this information will be kept strictly confidential and will not be communicated either to the Bolivian delegate or to the other Neutrals; it will be maintained in confidence but as an aid in the negotiations. If the Paraguayan Government will be moderate in its requests an agreement should be arrived at very shortly.
What is the reason for the public demand that Paraguay break off conversations with the Neutrals and who is responsible for inciting such a demand? If it is the militarists they should not forget the declaration of August 3. The only way Paraguay can get title in the Chaco which will be recognized by the other American nations is through a peaceful settlement. The way to a peaceful settlement is now in Paraguay’s grasp if she will be moderate and cooperate with the Neutral Commission. Paraguay’s best interests would seem to indicate that this is what she should do.
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