724.3415/2824 2/16

Memorandum by the Chairman of the Commission of Neutrals (White)

The Chilean Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Cohen, called at 5:20 p.m., and left with me the attached telegram from Minister for Foreign Affairs Cruchaga. I immediately gave Mr. Cohen a memorandum setting forth my views which he promised to cable Cruchaga in reply. Copies of both memoranda are attached hereto.

F[rancis] W[hite]
[Page 247]
[Annex 1—Telegram—Translation]

The Chilean Minister for Foreign Affairs (Cruchaga) to the Chilean Chargé (Cohen)

No. 6.—Please send the following personal and confidential communication to Mr. White. Before making an official answer to the telegram of December 3117 from the Honorable Commission of Neutrals, with reference to knowing what steps the Government of Chile Would be disposed to take for the purpose of achieving peace between Bolivia and Paraguay, I desire to inform you that my Government cherishes sincere desire to cooperate in pacific action. [The]17a initiative would consist naturally in inducing the Parties to arbitral resort, with certain preparatory suggestion and subsequent modalities. For this it is necessary to know whether the Commission of Neutrals would agree that we neighboring countries act directly and not through the Commission; but if it is not possible, stating that our action would continue the efforts of the Neutrals on behalf of the mission of peace. In consulting you personally I trust that you will use your high influence in order to leave us in a position to take immediate steps, bearing in mind that we could urge the Government of Paraguay as far as it might be possible to reestablish contact with the Neutrals in order that if the need should arise the neighboring countries might work together with the Commission in the course of the negotiations. [My]17a personal impression is that no other possibility (will offer) to bring to an end the sanguinary struggle, so that I shall deeply appreciate your opinion in order to determine upon a reply.

Affectionate salutations,

Miguel Cruchaga
[Annex 2—Memorandum]

The Chairman of the Commission of Neutrals (White) to the Chilean Chargé (Cohen)

What the Neutral Commission considers would be helpful in the present juncture would be for the four neighboring countries to tell the Neutral Commission just what they are prepared to do to bring about peace. This would probably best be accomplished by the four [Page 248] neighboring countries consulting together and deciding upon measures which they would all support. When the four neighboring countries have agreed among themselves then if the neighboring countries would discuss the matter with the Neutral Commission an agreement would be easily arrived at between the four neighboring countries and the Neutral Commission in order that the Neutral Commission and the four neighboring governments might simultaneously take identic action.

F[rancis] W[hite]
  1. Foreign Relations, 1932, vol. v, p. 218.
  2. Brackets appear in the file translation.
  3. Brackets appear in the file translation.