Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1932, The American Republics, Volume V

724.3415/1004½

Draft of Manifesto From the Governments of Argentina, of Brazil, of Chile and of Peru to the Governments of Bolivia and of Paraguay, and to the Commission of Neutrals in Washington¹⁹

undated

[Translation]

The Governments of the Republics of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru, in view of the disquieting situation which has arisen between Bolivia and Paraguay, in consequence of incidents that have occurred in the conflicts of the Chaco, being desirous of conserving the interests of peace in America, seriously threatened by imminent danger of war, in order to fulfill the moral obligation resting upon them as representatives of states belonging to the same continental sisterhood, of taking care that international juridical institutions are maintained, the application of which in the settlement of difficult controversies has so far constituted for them a reason for justifiable pride, being convinced that the existing means of pacification for the solution of international conflicts place at the disposal of nations between which controversies have arisen, sufficient recourse for avoiding armed conflict, however bitter the dissensions may be and however exigent susceptibilities may be, remembering that in positive international law there exist rules strictly applicable to the case, such as the Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907,²⁰ for the peaceful settlement of international disputes, which creates [sic] a commission of inquiry and provides the necessary elements for possible arbitration, the Covenant of the League of Nations,²¹ of which both countries are members, which insures the use of peaceful means, by utilizing mediation and arbitration, and the Inter-American Conciliation and Arbitration Convention of Washington, of January 5, 1929,²² which likewise establishes organs for the same purpose, it being borne in mind that these solemn instruments could not fall into disuse without loss of prestige by the tradition invariably maintained by the countries of America at international congresses, free from any prejudice of partiality and guided by the affection which the nations engaged in the dispute deserve equally, without prejudging either the origin of the conflict or the responsibilities for the incidents involved in it, agree:

• First—to invite the Republics of Bolivia and Paraguay to make a supreme effort for agreement, by laying aside their warlike attitude, stopping all military mobilization and avoiding the outbreak of war;
• Second—to offer jointly their friendly offices to Bolivia and Paraguay, in order to receive from both nations and duly act on any suggestions or proposals tending to produce a settlement by conciliation;
• Third—to remain united in order to offer their adherence and cooperation to the Commission of Neutrals assembled at Washington, D. C, which has been working for a long time with the noble determination to obtain a friendly solution, the action of which deserves the respect and consideration due to its efforts and lofty purposes, offering it the collaboration that may be needed to put into practice the emergency measures that may be considered proper to prevent war between the republics of Bolivia and Paraguay;
• Fourth—to communicate this declaration of international loyalty, friendship and love of peace simultaneously to the governments of Bolivia and Paraguay and to the Commission of Neutrals in Washington.

19. A notation at the top of the page reads: “Dated about July 29, 1932.” See telegram No. 55, July 29, 7 p.m., to the Chargé in Brazil, p. 152, and telegram No. 111, July 29, 8 p.m., from the Ambassador in Peru, p. 153.
20. Foreign Relations, 1899, p. 521, and ibid., 1907, pt. 2, p. 1181.
21. Treaties, Conventions, etc., 1910–1923, vol. iii, p. 3336.
22. For the treaty of conciliation, see Foreign Relations, 1929, vol. i, p. 653; for the treaty of arbitration, see ibid., p. 659.