724.3415/1839: Telegram
The Minister in Bolivia (Feely) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:18 p.m.]
39. The Minister for Foreign Affairs informed me today that news had been received of the death of five Bolivian soldiers at or near Fort Mariscal, Santa Cruz, but that no further details were available.
The Government yesterday inaugurated censorship of mails and telegrams, and has obtained an advance of 5,000,000 bolivianos from the Central Bank with interest at 5 percent.
While the city is quiet today, the feeling of the press and the public is that a state of war now exists.
[Page 35]It is estimated that 15,000 people participated in last night’s orderly demonstration to the two regiments that left for the Chaco.
The military authorities are requisitioning foodstuffs, motor trucks, gasoline and other supplies, and the 1930 reservists have been ordered to report for duty.