724.3415/3943: Telegram

The Minister in Bolivia (Des Portes) to the Secretary of State

43. Department’s telegram No. 12.9 Bolivian Minister for Foreign Affairs informed me this afternoon that probably the reply to Buenos [Page 155] Aires will be ready 23rd; that after agreement in principle between the two countries he would like further points of conciliation elaborated by at least nine countries (ABCP and the five members of the committee at Washington).

He expects to request Argentina immediately to sound the belligerents as to certain necessary bases before discussions take place. When pressed as to what those bases might be he admitted that an outlet on the Paraguay River would be one. Argentine Minister considers that if these bases are placed as [sic] previous conditions progress will stop there.

Des Portes
  1. July 20, 6 p.m., p. 152.