724.3415/3998: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Brazil (Gibson)
103. Your 167, August 9, 7 p.m. Referring to your Paragraph 1, this Government now understands that the Argentine, Brazilian, and United States Governments are in accord that the other six powers will be invited once the conciliation formula has been definitely accepted in principle by Bolivia and Paraguay.
With reference to Paragraph 2 of your cable, the American Ambassador at Santiago received instructions in the evening of August 8,17 and carried them out before midnight on that date. He has informed the Department that the Chilean Government has suggested that the United States, acting either alone or in conjunction with Brazil and Argentina, endeavor to persuade Paraguay to make a statement (1) that Paraguay considers as unfounded the personal attacks appearing in the Paraguayan press upon the President and members of the Government of Chile; and (2) that “Paraguay has complete confidence in the fidelity of Chile towards its obligations as a neutral.” Dr. Cruchaga added that if the latter point could not be obtained, he was open minded to any alternative plan which this Government might suggest.
The Department has not as yet received any response from the Government of Paraguay to the inquiry made of it in terms identical to that made in Santiago.
The Department is advised by the Argentine Ambassador of the efforts being made by Dr. Saavedra Lamas to prevent a rupture of relations between Chile and Paraguay, but is not as yet advised as to the attitude adopted by Paraguay.
Referring to Paragraph 3 of your cable, the Department approves of your repeating pertinent telegrams to American Embassy at Buenos Aires for its information.