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  4. Document 754

834.00/796: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Paraguay ( Howard )

Washington , February 21, 1936—2 p.m.

2. Your 24, February 20, 7 p.m. received this morning 10:05 a.m. Reference is also made to your 23, February 20, 4 p.m.

Your action in refraining from attending meeting called at the Foreign Office this morning in compliance with the invitation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the ground that you must await instructions is approved by the Department. While recognition of the new regime in Paraguay will be solely dependent upon the intent of this Government to accord such recognition, your attending a meeting of the Diplomatic Representatives accredited to Paraguay called by the new Foreign Minister would undoubtedly be construed locally as constituting recognition and would obligate this Government officially to state that such action was not intended. Consequently, for the present, it is desired that you refrain from entering into any relations with the newly formed government which could [Page 864] in any way be construed as implying recognition of the present Paraguayan regime.

At the instance of the Governments of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru, this Government has agreed with the Governments mentioned not to accord recognition to the new government in Paraguay until formal and satisfactory assurances are received that the new government will recognize the validity of all of the Chaco peace obligations entered into by the preceding Paraguayan Government, and furthermore, that the five Governments would reach a common agreement as to the proper time for recognition so that recognition by them may be accorded more or less simultaneously.

With reference to the last paragraph of your cable No. 24, it would seem as yet premature in any event to determine whether the new government in Paraguay meets with a substantial measure of popular support; whether it is able to maintain itself in power; whether it is able to carry out the functions of a stable government; and finally, whether it intends to comply with its international obligations previously contracted.

Please cable Department your views on all of these points as soon as you are able to form considered judgment thereon.

Hull