724.3415/3387: Telegram (part air)
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 10—12:35 p.m.]
287. 1. The Chairman of the Council’s Committee has received a cablegram from the Bolivian Minister for Foreign Affairs quoting declarations made November 3 by the Bolivian Minister at Montevideo before the League’s Chaco Commission. I assume that the Department has been informed of these declarations from Montevideo in which Bolivia lays down certain conditions for its collaboration with the Commission and in order that it may decide on its attitude requests the Commission for information concerning its instructions and its immediate program of work.
2. Learn from the Secretariat that the Commission has sent a conciliatory reply mentioning its general terms of reference, reassuring Bolivia regarding its sovereignty and stating its intention of visiting both countries parties to the dispute.
3. The League appears to be adopting an attitude of leaving to the Commission for the present at least the question of relations between itself and the parties to the dispute. The Secretariat nevertheless expects to be informed from time to time of the trend of negotiations. I am given to understand that in general this information will not be made public.
[Page 367]4. I would appreciate being advised as to whether the Department will keep in touch with the situation through our Latin American missions or whether it is desired that I continue to transmit such information as I may obtain here.