724.3415/2186: Telegram
The Commission of Neutrals to the Paraguayan Minister for Foreign Affairs (Benítez)
The Commission of Neutrals has received with deep regret Your Excellency’s cablegram58 stating that you cannot fully accept a truce of 60 days. We wish to inform you that the Government of Bolivia is disposed to authorize its representatives in Washington to sign at [Page 84] once a truce for 30 days, as it informs us in cablegram of today [yesterday.] In view of this circumstance we beg Your Excellency to examine the situation again, taking into consideration the immense responsibility which would, before the conscience of America, rest upon the country which should begin hostilities or render impossible a friendly agreement on the basis of the doctrine of August 3. Paraguay, in accepting this brief truce, would be faithful to the formal declaration in its cablegram of July 28 stating that “Paraguay will not commit any act of hostility against the Bolivian forces”. The interests of both parties would be protected during the negotiations for the settlement of the pending problems, as abstention from any hostile act or movement would be solemnly promised. During the truce efforts would also be made, the Government of Bolivia having consented thereto, to bring about settlements of fundamentals, favored by the good offices of the Neutrals. We trust that we shall receive an early and favorable reply, the only requisite which would be lacking in order to sign a truce eagerly desired by all America.
President of the Commission of Neutrals
Minister of Uruguay
Minister of Colombia
Chargé d’Affaires of Cuba
Chargé d’Affaires of Mexico
- Not printed.↩