724.3415/3080: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Bolivia (Feely)

13. Yesterday Neutral Commission sent a letter to Argentine Ambassador stating that the Commission of Neutrals has unanimously felt it would be useful and favorable to the interests of continental peace to have an exchange of ideas between the delegates of the nine countries that have endeavored in such a disinterested manner to bring about the conciliation of the combatants and that the Commission is ready to collaborate in this new attempt, holding sessions when and in the place which may be considered most opportune to the mediating Governments and the contending parties. A similar note was sent [Page 321] to the Chilean Chargé d’Affaires and similar statement made to Brazilian and Peruvian Ambassadors who attended the meeting of the Neutral Commission.

Argentine Ambassador advises Department today that Minister of Foreign Affairs of Argentina telephoned him to say that he was much pleased by this statement but that Argentina is very much annoyed at Bolivia on account of recent communication exchanged between Argentine and Bolivian Governments and that whether Argentina attends such a meeting as proposed depends upon the Bolivian reply to the latest Argentine communication. Ambassador stated that Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs said that if this reply is unfavorable Argentina will break diplomatic relations with Bolivia. On the other hand, if it is satisfactory, Argentina will be glad to cooperate with the other countries to seek a peaceful solution. Argentine Ambassador was instructed to ask this Government to use its influence to have Bolivia make a moderate reply.

The matter has already been discussed with Bolivian Minister here and Department will be glad to have you discuss the matter with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia.

Hull