724.3415/2154: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile (Culbertson)
76. Your 195, August 30, 11 a.m.58 Department’s 71, August 26, 4 p.m.58 discussed only one feature of the proposal outlined in your 187 of August 25, 6 p.m., namely the calling of a conference at which the Neutrals would have but one representative, which would in effect break up the Neutral Commission. The Neutral Commission has been working loyally together in the greatest harmony and cooperation for 4 years. The proposal mentioned was undoubtedly designed to transform the Neutral Commission into a new commission of five powers, namely the United States and the four neighboring countries. This Government would not consent to throwing over the other four nations which have been working loyally with it for the past 4 years for the maintenance of peace in the Chaco and for a peaceful settlement of that dispute.
There is nothing before the Neutral Commission regarding this matter. The penultimate paragraph of your 187 of August 25, 6 p.m. said that draft note if approved “will be formally drafted and directed to the Governments of Brazil and Peru through Washington by virtue of the invitation made by the Commission of Neutrals.” The Department understood that to be a misprint and should read the Governments of Bolivia and Paraguay instead of Brazil and Peru. Therefore the proposal was discussed informally with the Neutrals in advance of its expected presentation to the Neutral Commission for action. The feature mentioned in Department’s 71, August 26, 4 p.m. was unanimously unfavorably commented on by the Neutral Commission and Department’s telegram was sent, as stated, in the thought that before the matter was finally presented to the Neutrals some change might be made in this feature.
As the neighboring countries or Chile, either on its own, or on their behalf, has decided to present the matter direct to Bolivia and Paraguay, and not through the Neutrals, and as there is no proposal before [Page 193] the Neutral Commission and as the Department alone can not express the views of the Neutrals regarding all the other features of the program, Department does not desire you to take the matter up with the Chilean Government at this time.