724.3415/2522: Telegram
The Minister in Switzerland (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 17—2:10 p.m.]
42. Drummond asked me to call regarding the Chaco matter. He pointed out that there is a growing feeling among members of the Council that something further should be done by the Council to avoid the reproach of inactivity in the face of almost daily press messages of fighting in this region and also because of the possibility of a real dispute between Colombia and Peru. The Council members feel that they must keep their position clear in regard to the Chaco in order to be able to take cognizance if necessary of the Colombia-Peruvian dispute.36 I talked to Drummond along the lines of your 32, November 15, 3 p.m. He quite understands this but feels that for reasons stated above it may prove impossible to hold up action by the Council. If the Council insists he is hoping to propose some action that will have a good effect, aid the efforts of the Committee of Neutrals and run no risk of crossing wires with you.
He is thinking of suggesting that the Council might send identic messages to Bolivia and Paraguay along the following lines:
- (1)
- That the Council is happy to note that direct negotiations under the auspices of the Neutral Committee are taking place; that this action follows the lines laid down by article 12 of the Covenant;
- (2)
- The Council regrets to note from the press reports that severe fighting is continuing; the Council calls on the two parties to cease these hostilities;
- (3)
- The Council insists that the parties at once accept the proposal made by the Committee of Neutrals for the sending of a military commission to examine the facts and to arrange that there shall be no resumption of hostilities; such action of course not to prejudice the eventual findings of the Neutral Commission;
- (4)
- The Council considers that a refusal by either party to cease hostilities would constitute a denial of its obligations under the Covenant.
Drummond added that if such action were taken the Council committee would repeat the telegram to the Chairman of the Commission of Neutrals expressing hope at the same time that it would prove an aid to the work which the Neutral Commission is carrying on. Drummond hopes that you will turn this matter over in your mind and give him the benefit of any criticism, suggestion for addition or elimination, which would render the message more valuable.