724.34119/985: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:15 p.m.]
152. From Braden. Department’s 77, August 23, 1 p.m. The Brazilian delegate has shown me telegrams exchanged with his Foreign Office from which it appears that the matter was mishandled in Rio. The fact remains Brazil has recognized, which of course may weaken Conference efforts to obtain adequate assurances from the new government. The Uruguayan delegate informs me his Foreign Office does not believe their representative has recognized yet; instructions have again been given him to consult other mediatory representatives. The Uruguayan delegate does not think his country’s recognition will be given until remaining mediatory powers do so but in my opinion Uruguayan cooperation should not be counted on.
The Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs20 misinformed me on Friday night for the note received from the Paraguayan Minister was not a reply to the suggestion cabled in my telegram 143, August 18, 7 p.m., but was a note addressed not to the Conference but to the Foreign Office declaring Paraguay’s intention to respect international agreements. It appears likely that Paraguayan Minister because of pique with new government did not transmit Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs’ suggestion. The President of Paraguay told Cardinal Copello yesterday that he desired the Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs to indicate a satisfactory procedure based on Paiva’s published declaration. Therefore S. Lamas suggestion will be submitted to Paiva by the Cardinal or by the Argentine Minister at Asuncion and we should have a definite answer within the next 24 to 48 hours. The delegates agreed today that meanwhile we should await this answer. Paiva’s statement published yesterday was as follows:
“With regard to foreign policy the provisional Government will comply strictly with the pacts and covenants in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. The state will put all its good will [Page 739] at the service of the high ideals of concord and peaceful international coexistence which has always inspired the governments of Paraguay and will pay particular attention to the negotiations with the peace conference in Buenos Aires with which it will cooperate efficaciously so that its action will develop in an atmosphere of cordial understanding in order that from it may come peace hoped for by the continent and particularly the two countries which were in armed conflict.”
In my opinion the situation is as follows:
Acceptance by Paraguay of the S. Lamas suggestion would put the Conference in a better position to demand active territorial negotiations and compliance with the January 10 [9] bases and regulations. On the other hand even if the suggestion is accepted and a statement made in line with my 143, August 18, 7 p.m., Paraguay can find a way to delay negotiations. If the statement is not made we can definitely expect stalling for several months or until a constitutional assembly is elected there.
Notwithstanding the above even if the desired statement from Paraguay is not forthcoming within 48 hours further withholding of recognition might be interpreted by the Paraguayan Government as undue pressure and it would probably be best to resign ourselves to further delays and proceed to recognize.
Repeated to Asuncion. [Braden.]
- Carlos Saavedra Lamas.↩