724.3415/2188: Telegram
The Bolivian Minister for Foreign Affairs (Gutiérrez) to the Chairman of the Commission of Neutrals (White)
[Received 10:27 p.m.]
136. In reply to your cablegram of the 29th, we have to advise you that the Government of Bolivia is disposed to enter into a truce proposed for a brief period of 30 days, understood to be on the basis of present positions. During the truce, efforts would be made to bring about settlements of fundamentals, favored by the good offices of the most excellent neutrals. We wish to make it clear that the doctrine that force does not confer rights has always been that of Bolivia, at all times and with respect to all territorial controversies. For this reason we made a formal objection to that of August 3rd, which is presented as of an exceptional character solely with respect to the Chaco question. We shall authorize our delegates at Washington to enter into a truce as of September 1st, on the foregoing basis.