824.00/813: Telegram
The Chargé in Bolivia ( Muccio ) to the Secretary of State
La
Paz
, July 18, 1937—noon.
[Received 7:05 p.m.]
[Received 7:05 p.m.]
47. Referring to Department’s telegram No. 20, July 16, 7 p.m.
- 1.
- Tense situation reported in my telegram 441 [44], July 16, 5 p.m., and 46, July 17, 5 p.m., has eased considerably. La Paz regionalistic and university students opposition to the continuance of military rule appeased by Busch statement to United Press representative published here this morning that army will proceed to constitutionalize [Page 258] country as soon as present tasks of organization are completed. I personally feel that next few days will prove whether or not Busch can attain stability. Busch has experienced men in his Cabinet but his youthful impulsiveness may prevent him from keeping his head during this critical period.
- 2.
- There is no effective opposition to new government. General disgust at military rule not organized.
- 3.
- Under instructions from their respective Governments representatives of Ecuador and Peru yesterday acknowledged the note from the Minister of Foreign Affairs quoted in my telegram 45, July 17, 4 p.m. Brazilian will do so tomorrow. Representatives of Chile and Uruguay have had no instructions. Argentina has no diplomatic representative here. Mexican Minister informs me that since change was accomplished by group of 20 officers not representing the country he intends to wait a week or 10 days before reporting his observations. Germán Chargé d’Affaires will follow our lead.
- 4.
- See my telegram 45, July 17, 4 p.m. Position of Bolivian Government that recognition is not necessary undoubtedly inspired by the Associated Press report of the first statement of the Secretary of State.
- 5.
- Busch has declared his intention to respect Bolivia’s international obligations and legitimate rights of private property. Internal politics necessitated Busch statement regarding the Standard Oil Company12 following the receipt and circulation of the report from Buenos Aires that the Standard Oil Company had financed his revolution.
Repeated to Buenos Aires.
Muccio