724.34119/979: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:28 p.m.]
144. From Braden. Your 73, August 18, 7 p.m. I wish to reassure the Department that the suggestion I made last Monday to the Conference made clear that I was not speaking for my Government nor proposing a policy but simply bringing the matter up for consideration. Copy of statement air mailed today.
The usual declaration to the effect that all international obligations will be observed would leave an opening for Paraguay to contend that (a) direct negotiations and a final treaty could only be effected by a constitutionally elected government; (b) the January 9 bases and the regulations are illegal. Such a stand would leave the Conference in a hiatus for several months and would be definitely disturbing in Bolivia.
Under the best of circumstances we may expect a continuation of the Paraguayan policy of delay but if the suggestion of the Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs, reported in my telegram 143, August 18, 7 p.m., is accepted, adequate precautions will have been taken and the question of phrasing will not arise. Before going further into the matter I believe it wise first to learn the Paraguayan reaction to the Foreign Minister’s suggestion.
Does the Department approve of approximately simultaneous and similar notes of recognition? I will telegraph my colleagues’ views as soon as they are defined and any suggested draft. [Braden.]