724.3415/3144a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Argentina (White)
26. On May 9th Neutral Commission informed Argentine, Brazilian, Chilean and Peruvian Ambassadors of communications from and conversations with Bolivian and Paraguayan Ministers7 and said that the Commission unanimously considered it would be useful and favorable to the interests of peace in this continent to have an exchange of ideas between the representatives of the nine countries and added that the Commission was ready to collaborate in this new step, holding sessions when and in the place which should be judged most opportune by the nine mediating Governments and the contending parties. This suggestion was sent by letter to Argentine Ambassador8 and there has been no formal reply.
The Ambassador did state orally, under instructions from his Government, that Argentina would determine her action upon receiving a reply from Bolivia to Argentina’s latest communication. If this communication should be satisfactory, Argentina would be ready to cooperate; otherwise Argentina would break off diplomatic relations with Bolivia. The Department was asked to use its good offices to have Bolivia make a favorable reply. After taking the matter up repeatedly with Bolivian Minister here and through our Legation in La Paz, a conciliatory answer was sent. Argentine Ambassador now states that although the answer was not perhaps everything that Argentina desired the Argentine Government considers the matter closed but does not desire to cooperate. This is of course at variance with statement he made under instructions when he was urging the Department to use its good offices to have a conciliatory reply sent.
Please discuss the matter informally with Minister of Foreign Affairs in attempt to have a definite statement sent to the Commission regarding Argentina’s proposed action.
Bolivia at this time is most anxious to have the nine countries meet to consider the situation and it seems likely that it is trying to play off this group against the League of Nations. It would seem to be most helpful if the nine countries could meet and discuss the matter and as a result decide to support the recent proposal of the League. Report by cable.