724.3415/3554: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina ( Weddell ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:15 p.m.]
36. Again referring to Department’s telegram No. 22, February 14, 8 p.m., Secretary General and British members of the League Chaco Commission today handed me formula of Commission looking to solution of the problem and which was delivered yesterday to Bolivian and Paraguayan representatives; it was delivered last night to Argentine Ambassador and is being given today to Brazilian, Chilean, and Peruvian Ambassadors here, and to Uruguay tomorrow. I am informed that President of Commission is telegraphing you that I have this formula and also expressing his obligation for your contribution to peace, both at Montevideo and subsequently.
Full text by air mail tonight.28
Following is summary:
- I.
- Hostilities to cease 24 hours after present agreement effective.
- II.
- Twenty-four hours later evacuation to begin by both Armies which shall withdraw in 40 days to following positions: (a) Bolivian Army, Villa Montes and Robore and (b) Paraguayan Army to Paraguay River.
- III.
- Demobilization will begin with the evacuation, soldiers to return home within 3 months.
- IV.
- After this and while Permanent Court of International Justice is fixing boundaries neither army will exceed 5,000 and both parties will not acquire war material. Council of League may, at request of either party, grant derogation of above stipulations and deal with matter should either party consider stipulations not observed. In applying article IV League Council decides, excluding votes of contracting parties.
- V.
- Until Permanent Court fixes boundaries between the two countries both may maintain police forces to control certain specified areas any incidents in connection therewith, unable to be settled rapidly, Permanent Court to indicate probationary measures.
- VI.
- When present agreement is in force Permanent Court will exercise full jurisdiction to settle controversy both countries maintaining that they have rights in certain specified regions, Bolivia renouncing her reservations on the Hayes Award territory, Paraguay renouncing her reservation on the establishment of boundaries between Bolivia and Brazil by the Treaty of Petropolis.29
- VII.
- Both parties shall within 8 days repatriate prisoners, any difficulties being addressed to the International Red Cross Committee.
- VIII.
- When Permanent Court gives decision both parties agree to address Pan American Union so that it may convene conference of boundary countries provided for by the Montevideo resolution of December 24, 1933.
- IX.
- Present agreement to be ratified constitutionally by both countries in extraordinary session of their Congresses if necessary.
- X.
- It will take effect 12 hours after ratification by belligerents. Additional, both parties to notify acceptance or refusal before March 1, 1934.
Commission only mildly hopeful of success.
Repeated to La Paz, Asunción, Montevideo.