724.3415/3316: Telegram
The Ambassador in Brazil (Gibson) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 12—11:25 a.m.]
80. In the course of conversation last evening Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed himself as more hopeful for Chaco settlement. Somewhat to his surprise Bolivia has accepted with very minor changes his recent proposal. (See my despatch 15, August 23rd) [Page 357] Paraguay has not yet replied but Minister here has expressed himself in a way that encourages hope of acceptance.
As plan is now drafted acceptance calls for immediate signature here by Bolivian and Paraguayan Ministers of a preliminary convention covering the following points:
- (1)
- Cessation of hostilities.
- (2)
- Affirmation of will to settle conflict by peaceful means.
- (3)
- Delimitation of territory in dispute.
- (4)
- Fixing of date for meeting in Rio de Janeiro of plenipotentiaries to negotiate settlement.
- (5)
- If these negotiations are not successful in 30 days the dispute to go to arbitration as provided in the convention.
- (6)
- Armistice to continue during arbitration.
Does Department desire fuller telegraphic reports on this general subject, with or without texts of governmental interchanges, or is subject being covered by other missions?30
- In telegram No. 70, September 14, 7 p.m., the Embassy was informed that the Department desired to continue to receive brief telegraphic reports and full despatches regarding important Chaco developments.↩