724.3415/2021: Telegram
The Ambassador in Peru (Dearing) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 11—1:52 a.m.]
115. Department’s 38, August 6, 2 p.m.39 Circular July [August] 8, 8 p.m. Discussed Chaco with Foreign Minister today stressing importance of American nations remaining united.
Foreign Minister—
- 1.
- Evinced an earnest desire to prevent at all costs outbreak of war between Paraguay and Bolivia.
- 2.
- Stated positively that Peru felt the four neighboring nations must give full cooperation and support to the Commission of Neutrals until Commission fails in its efforts before taking any independent line. He showed me a telegram definitely instructing Peruvian Ambassador to Chile to inform Chilean Government in this sense.
- 3.
- Stated under bond of confidence he feels there is much rivalry between Argentina, Chile and Brazil. That this has caused Argentina to be precipitate in presenting the formula recently signed by the four neighboring nations on their behalf and that Argentina should have again consulted Peru, Chile and Brazil before doing so since Chaco situation has changed since then.
- 4.
- Feels that Bolivia’s mobilization, military strength, possession of certain forts and territory and present extreme patriotism make her intractable and that best way to meet the situation would be (a) to call upon Bolivia and Paraguay to cease hostilities immediately, (b) to reaffirm the statement of the 19 nations of August 3rd, (c) to name a commission to investigate whether Bolivia and Paraguay have any right to remain in their present positions, (d) if the decision is adverse both nations should be asked to retire to their positions as of June 1st.
- 5.
- Gives it as his personal opinion that the Commission’s present suggestions to Bolivia and Paraguay should be altered to fit the present situation more closely, feeling that otherwise it risks failure.
Minister stressed his desire to avoid confusion and cross purposes among the four nations and to continue fullest possible cooperation and support of Commission.
The Minister is evidently somewhat apprehensive about Bolivia and wishes to avoid the necessity for joining in any blockade that may have to be carried out in case Bolivia and Paraguay do not yield to reason.
Further report by mail.