724.34119/1104: Telegram

The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State

213. From Braden. Department’s telegram No. 102, November 4, 7 p.m. Paraguayan project which was delayed by illness of Paraguayan Minister for Foreign Affairs and attempted revolution25 delivered to Committee today. It does not cover transit but otherwise through generalities attempts to accomplish the same ends as the regulations of April 23. Committee discussions thereof will begin tomorrow with ex-belligerent delegations.

Paraguayan delegation has already been informed as per paragraphs 1 and 2 of telegram under reference.

Brazilian October 8th statement is in accord with paragraph 4 of telegram under reference excepting that it contemplates only present security regulations or in lieu thereof a modus vivendi which will protect the situation in the Chaco until the termination of the Conference but it does not suggest or contemplate a permanent well implemented non-aggression pact.

I expect that during Committee discussions during the next few days we will arrive at a concrete plan as to exactly what may be accomplished in the way of present security measures in the Chaco.

The considerations advanced in my despatch 546,26 in my opinion, make it preferable that the stand outlined in your telegram under reference be made a part of the suggested démarche by the Department incorporating it as point 3 of my outline. I have reason to believe that Foreign Offices of Chile, Brazil and Peru agree substantially with the Department’s views. Uruguay is an unknown quantity and [Page 36] is not to be relied on. But chances of getting the chairman committed to a definite course of action will be greater following the Department’s démarche than if I were to present the program in Conference. [Braden.]

Weddell
  1. For correspondence concerning the revolution in Paraguay, see pp. 717 ff.
  2. Dated October 28; not printed.