724.3415/2002a: Circular telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Diplomatic Representatives in Certain American Republics 34
Bolivia is carrying on active campaign with the Foreign Offices of a number of countries against the Neutral suggestion that cessation of hostilities be on the basis of occupations of June 1st. Bolivia wants [Page 167] to keep positions already taken and to have hostilities cease on basis of occupations at time the agreement is signed. No date was suggested by Bolivia for date of signing the agreement. Bolivia alleges that this is usual in the case of armistices.
The Neutrals suggested June 1st because that is prior to the first attack in the Chaco and is equitable to both and permits immediate suspension of hostilities. On any other basis there is apt to be delay while each country tries to get more of the other’s forts in its possession at the time of cessation of hostilities and hostilities will drag on indefinitely. There is no question of armistice as there has been no declaration of war.
The Neutrals have cabled today direct to Ministers of Foreign Affairs of all the American countries advising them of the above in order to counteract the Bolivian propaganda which is trying to have as many of the American countries as possible take position contrary to the Neutrals’. This would be a negation of the principle laid down by the 19 American countries in their joint declaration to Bolivia and Paraguay on August 3. It is important that the American nations remain united. Discuss this with Minister of Foreign Affairs and cable results.35