724.3415/3089: Telegram
The Minister in Bolivia (Feely) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:40 p.m.]
45. In reply to the Department’s telegram No. 13, May 10, 5 p.m., I discussed the matter at length with the Minister of Foreign Affairs today, and found that the Bolivian Government, having received a telegram from Finot reporting his conversation with White, had practically decided not to reply to the last Argentine note as it considered the present Argentine attitude as threatening and another instance of undue pressure.
The Minister heartily approved of the Neutral Commission’s idea of a conference of the nine countries.
After informing him that I had no instructions from my Government, I expressed the opinion that the situation was extremely critical and that Bolivia’s failure to reply to the last Argentine note in conciliatory terms might have disastrous consequences and would no doubt seriously prejudice, if not entirely prevent the success of any further negotiations for peace.
The Minister was not entirely convinced but said that the matter would be given serious consideration by his Government. I am of the opinion that a reply will be sent within a few days but I am not sure that its tenor will satisfy Argentina.
Special guards were stationed at the Chilean and Argentine Legations last night but were withdrawn at the suggestion of the two Ministers.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs informed me that Bolivia would probably not take any official action in response to the declaration of war. The city is quiet and there have been no demonstrations.