724.3415/2900 4/7
Memorandum by the Chairman of the Commission of Neutrals (White)
The Neutral Commission met today for the first time since December 30. It was thought wise to have a meeting to show, in view of the Paraguayan withdrawal, that the Neutral Commission is still in existence and is actively following the matter.
It was a rather general informal discussion. I told them what I knew of the meeting in Mendoza, of press despatches sent down from here giving the reaction to Saavedra Lamas’ gaffe of the other day, and of the telegram that Saavedra had sent to Espil which he advised me of today.
[Page 270]There was some informal discussion regarding statements in the press here as to our policy of disinteresting ourselves in South American affairs. I said that there was no basis of foundation for the statement appearing in the Washington Herald yesterday, written by Mr. Flythe …
It was decided to tell the press that we had met and discussed new aspects of the Chaco situation, and had considered communications received by the Commission since the date of our last meeting.