724.3415/2037b: Circular telegram
The Secretary of State to the Diplomatic Representatives in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru
Department’s August 11, 2 p.m. Department has been definitely advised that Argentina suggested to Bolivia and Paraguay a truce of 1 month which could be renewed, both countries retaining positions actually occupied. The Neutral Commission has been definitely advised by Paraguay that it has rejected this proposal. Please ask Government to which you are accredited again to support the efforts of the Neutral Commission and more especially the proposal made by them to Bolivia on August 9 as outlined to you in yesterday’s telegram.
Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru supported and signed the declaration [Page 176] of August 3 and the agreement signed by those four Republics of August 642 especially said that they would act on suggestions or proposals tending to produce a conciliatory solution “in agreement with the declaration signed August 3 by nineteen countries of America”. The Neutral proposal of August 9 is directly in accordance with that declaration and supports it. A truce which leaves each country in possession of territory which it has conquered without at the same time obtaining an acceptance of the principles of the August 3 declaration and a definite time limit for the return of those positions is directly contrary to the declaration of August 3.
With respect to one of the reasons given for permitting Bolivia to maintain its present positions, namely that otherwise the Salamanca Government will be overthrown, it may be said that the Department understands the Bolivian suggestion to keep actual possessions did not emanate from La Paz but was suggested to the Bolivian Government by its Minister here. This takes some of the weight from that argument.