724.3415/2493: Telegram
The Minister in Paraguay (Wheeler) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9 p.m.]
148. Your telegram No. 46, November 5, 3 p.m. The President assures me that he will oppose withdrawal from the conference by every means in his power and as long as he is able. This Government’s determination is very strong to accept no mutual retirement of troops that will not mean demilitarization virtually of the entire Chaco. That being agreed to it will accept any estimate the neutral powers may determine upon as to the number of men Paraguay and Bolivia shall retain under arms. Paraguay will insist, however, on a right to maintain such police as are necessary to protect her Mennonite Colony, the railroad and her greater agricultural and cattle establishments against the Indians. In peace times she employed for this purpose about 100 men all told which number after demilitarization should normally be sufficient, but she will insist on the right to vary this number if at any time necessary. Her contention is that since Bolivia has only military establishments in the Chaco she has no need for this privilege and if it is granted her the way would [Page 111] remain open for clashes to occur. The President is displeased at the publication from Washington of the matter of the indemnity, which Soler cables leaked from the State Department.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs is at the front. A third army, of 7,000 men, is being organized to supplement the first army now in the sector of present hostilities, the second army remaining in the North. A large movement will be begun in a few days.