724.3415/3152: Telegram

The Chargé in Argentina (White) to the Secretary of State

45. Your 26, May 24, 4 p.m. Yesterday being national festival have only just had interview with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. I found that he is quite definitely committed to the attitude of not soiling his fingers further with the Chaco business. (See also my telegram 39, May 10, 4 p.m.) His formal statement to this effect is contained in a telegram to Espil of May 22 which he states that he has also communicated to the League of Nations. As illustrating his frame of mind I may mention that most of my interview was occupied by an indignant [Page 337] recital of his painstaking efforts to mediate and their rebuff by Bolivia. While favoring action by the League of Nations, he denies that there is danger of Bolivia trying to play neutrals against the League and read me message sent to Espil to this effect.

White